FusionFest Gearing Up for 20,000 Strong at Orange County’s Largest Grassroots Celebration of Diversity

FusionFest Gearing Up for 20,000 Strong at Orange County’s Largest Grassroots Celebration of Diversity – A Free Community Event - Nov 25 and 26 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on the Seneff Arts Plaza in Downtown Orlando

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Orlando, Florida - FusionFest returns for its sixth year, bringing together the vibrant cultures, talents, and stories that make Central Florida an epicenter of multiculturalism and creativity. Scheduled for November 25th (10am to 8pm) and 26th (12pm to 6pm) at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on the Seneff Arts Plaza in Downtown Orlando, this free community festival is a monumental testament to community unity, respect, and understanding. We are shining the spotlight on over 100 unique cultures, that call Orlando home.

FusionFest is a celebration of the vast array of cultures that enrich the region, through a spectrum of activities ranging from food and fashion showcases to artistic displays, films, and performances. FusionFest is a project of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, aiming to promote the beauty and depth of every culture that calls Central Florida home.

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FusionFest promises a whirlwind of cultural experiences, transporting attendees across continents. Craft enthusiasts can immerse in arts & crafts projects, while cosplay aficionados compete for recognition. Dive deep into global connections with country meet-ups, marvel at rich cultural displays, and relish family activities in the Family Village. A heritage fashion showcase illuminates the runway, while a field of international flags and Find-a-Friend Flowers foster connections. Culinary explorers can sample global cuisines and join fun games or be entranced by giant puppet friends. FusionFest features global exchanges, haiku contests, and an international marketplace, along with immersive shows, a village for kids, and film screenings. There's music, dance, and storytelling, with grand showcases, interactive experiences, scavenger hunts, and silent world dance parties.

The festival isn't just about watching; it's about participation, learning, and celebration.? There are over 30 unique cultural activations taking place at FusionFest – click here for a full list and schedule of events. Some highlights include:

• ?Foods of the World & Fusion Food: Embark on an unmatched culinary journey, tasting dishes from renowned international chefs. A haven for food enthusiasts, with a detailed list of foods soon to be unveiled.
• Kaleidoscope – Experience the Wonders of Creative Collaboration: FusionFest’s most captivating show, curated and produced by Orlando’s own CeCe Teneal. This awe-inspiring piece is at the heart of FusionFest’s vision.
• Opening Spectacle & FusionFest Citizenship Ceremony -? Kickstarting the festival is the FusionFest Citizenship Ceremony, an emotionally charged moment when dozens pledge their loyalty and begin their American journey. Join us as we welcome 25 new citizens from 15 countries.? The new citizens will be sworn in by Senior U.S. District Judge, John Antoon, II from the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Florida upon motion by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.? The ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 25 on the OUC Stage at 10am
• MYgration Films: An incredible opportunity for filmmakers and subjects to come together and share stories of migration, perspectives, and cultural intertwining. The popular annual competition captures the stories of Central Floridians from around the world in short five-minute documentary films. See the films on the big screen at FusionFest. List of Films and Winners
• Multicultural Choir Concert Closing: Under the leadership of Grammy-Award-winning conductor Jeffery Redding, the festival will reach a crescendo with songs radiating hope and happiness.

"Tasting the vibrancy of over 110 cultures converging in one space is nothing short of electric. At FusionFest, every dance step, every note, every color represents the heartbeat of Central Florida's diverse community. It's truly inspiring to witness so many cultures come together, not just to showcase their unique talents but to forge connections and celebrate our collective human story," says Terry Olson of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs?

We are grateful to our sponsors, including Orange County Government, National Endowment for the Arts, Florida Division of Arts & Culture, United Arts of Central Florida, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Orlando, American Transnational, Massey Services, Publix, The Allen Family Foundation, and OUC - all playing pivotal roles. It's through these hyper local relationships we maintain our commitment to fostering grassroots events that enrich and enliven our community.

“We’re excited to welcome back FusionFest,” says Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “The event has grown year over year with a colorful celebration of our community’s’ vast cultures.? The festival truly reflects Arts For Every Life?.”

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About FusionFest

FusionFest Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to celebrate the people and the many different cultures that make Central Florida awesome by showcasing talents, sharing stories, driving innovation, and building community based on respect and understanding. FusionFest is a project of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. www.fusionfest.org

About Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts ?

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in downtown Orlando supported by the City of Orlando, Orange County, the City of Winter Park, the State of Florida and generous donors and sponsors. The 698,312-square-foot venue includes performance spaces like the Walt Disney Theater, the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, the Steinmetz Hall and, opening in 2024, Judson's; and event spaces like the DeVos Family Room, the Rooftop Terrace and the Seneff Arts Plaza. In addition, the arts center's AdventHealth School of Arts offers performing arts education year-round. For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org. Follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact: Paula Wyatt - [email protected] - 321 946 6565