Multicultural Festival

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$715
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
March 2012
End Date
March 2012
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Martin
Martin
Project Overview
The Martin County Library partnered with the Red Rock Center in Fairmont to host a multicultural event on March 24, 2012. The day’s events included performances by ethnic dancers, musicians and artists. Local foreign exchange students and residents brought in demonstrations and food samples. This grant funded a presentation by the WonderWeavers, a puppet and storytelling duo. They provided a performance called “Passport to Fun,” which emphasized stories from cultures around the world.
Project Details
Based on informal discussions with event attendees, many of them had never attended a cultural event such as this. We hoped that every person in attendance would have the opportunity to interact with someone from a culture other than their own. This goal was realized, as everyone had the chance to interact with demonstrators or booth displayers. Scavenger hunts were provided to guests as an opportunity to engage with each presenter in an informal manner.
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2011 Chapter 6, Article 4, Subdivision 4
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$715
Other Funds Leveraged
$3,000
Direct expenses
$3,715
Administration costs
$18
Number of full time equivalents funded
0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Proposed outcomes are attendees will learn about cultures (other than their own); attendees will enjoy learning about cultures through the fun format presented by the WonderWeavers; attendees will learn and meet with people living in the community of different cultures; attendees will want to learn more about other cultures by checking out library materials.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Our achieved outcomes are:
*Attendees learned about cultures other than their own, by listening and watching various performances and demonstrations, as well as visiting with booth displayers. Of those in attendance, 100 percent of people surveyed stated they learned something new about another culture.
*When attendees were asked if they enjoyed the performance by the WonderWeavers, between 90 and 100 percent of the audience raised their hand to indicate they had fun and enjoyed learning through the performance.
*Attendees were all encouraged to meet with the various performers and those hosting booth displays. They were able to learn from these people due to audience participation and the scavenger hunt which encouraged questioning and interacting.
*Attendees were able to meet with the library director, ask questions about the library, look at a display about the library and sample materials as part of the booths at the event. This will hopefully encourage further interest in cultural materials available through the library.

Source of Additional Funds

Traverse des Sioux Library System, Red Rock Center for the Arts, WonderWeavers, Sons of Norway Dance Studio, Zumba Instructor Ellen de La Torre, Vinai Norasakkunkit, The Narren of Germany and Betty and Ocho, folk musicians, eight local booth displayers. Partner Organization Contribution/Role in the Program: Red Rock Center for the Arts hosted the event and recruited all programming and presenters, other than the WonderWeavers. All other partners provided demonstrations or displays for the event.

Project Manager
First Name
Dayle
Last Name
Zelenka
Organization Name
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Street Address
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 622
City
Mankato
State
MN
Zip Code
56002
Phone
(507)625-6169
Email
dzelen@tds.lib.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200