There is such infectious and wonderful energy at the inaugural "ImmiFest" mini-festival, celebrating diverse cultures in the African diaspora. Hosted by the Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD), "ImmiFest" is designed to encourage artistic and cultural creativity through advocacy, promoting programs and activities by supporting our multicultural urban communities.
The July 22 event showcased more than a dozen arts and crafts and food vendors showcasing Aurora's diverse communities. I had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl Mamdu, owner and operator of "Tender Loving Care." She sells handmade scarves, caps and accessories. Her business is based in Aurora, and she frequents many festivals throughout the region.
I also met artist Marquita Mack, a painter who has been creating and producing artwork for a number of years. Marquita is working on developing an arts workshop program for people who are in the process of healing from chronic illnesses.
Marquita and Cheryl are just a couple of artist-vendors who are spotlighted through the innovative mini-fests that focus on diverse communities and creative expressions. It's no accident that the event is hosted at 1400 Dallas Street, a location at the heart of Aurora's ever-diversifying neighborhoods.
“80010 is one of the most diverse zip codes in the region, our goal is to showcase the inspiring cultural knowledge and art the immigrant communities bring to America from their homelands," says Tracy Weil, Executive Director of the Aurora Cultural Arts District.
"It’s time we celebrate our immigrant and refugee communities and support their traditions and expression.”
ImmiFest shines the spotlight on artists and creatives who are part of ACAD’s ACADIA Project, a new program that identifies refugee and immigrant artists in Aurora and helps them build their creative businesses and market and sell their work. ACADIA is open to artists working in the visual arts, culinary fields, makers, dance and other creative endeavors.
Through October, ImmiFest will be held every last Saturdayfrom 10am to 6pm. Upcoming cultural showcases include:
The July 22 event showcased more than a dozen arts and crafts and food vendors showcasing Aurora's diverse communities. I had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl Mamdu, owner and operator of "Tender Loving Care." She sells handmade scarves, caps and accessories. Her business is based in Aurora, and she frequents many festivals throughout the region.
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| Cheryl Mamdu, owner and operator of Tender Loving Care |
I also met artist Marquita Mack, a painter who has been creating and producing artwork for a number of years. Marquita is working on developing an arts workshop program for people who are in the process of healing from chronic illnesses.
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| Artist and painter Marquita Mack |
“80010 is one of the most diverse zip codes in the region, our goal is to showcase the inspiring cultural knowledge and art the immigrant communities bring to America from their homelands," says Tracy Weil, Executive Director of the Aurora Cultural Arts District.
"It’s time we celebrate our immigrant and refugee communities and support their traditions and expression.”
ImmiFest shines the spotlight on artists and creatives who are part of ACAD’s ACADIA Project, a new program that identifies refugee and immigrant artists in Aurora and helps them build their creative businesses and market and sell their work. ACADIA is open to artists working in the visual arts, culinary fields, makers, dance and other creative endeavors.
Through October, ImmiFest will be held every last Saturdayfrom 10am to 6pm. Upcoming cultural showcases include:
- August 26: South East Asian || Vendor Info
- September 23: Mexican || Vendor Info
- October 28: Caribbean || Vendor Info
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