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Press Release

November 12, 2024

Access Media Engagement Center

 

Experience the World in One Place: FusionFest at Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center Thanksgiving Weekend

 20,000 Gather to Celebrate Cultural Unity -- FREE Community Event

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Orlando, Florida – FusionFest, Orlando’s Thanksgiving weekend, returns for its seventh year, bringing together the vibrant cultures, talents, and stories that make Central Florida a hub of diversity and creativity. Taking place November 30 (10 AM – 8 PM) and December 1 (12 PM – 6 PM) at the Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, this FREE community event celebrates cultural unity and understanding through music, art, food, and storytelling. With an expected 20,000 attendees, FusionFest highlights the region’s multicultural richness with over 110 cultures represented.

 

FusionFest has proudly called Seneff Arts Plaza home for seven years, celebrating Central Florida’s rich diversity and creativity. As Dr. Phillips Center marks a decade of fostering community through its mission of “Arts For Every Life®,” FusionFest is honored to be part of this journey, contributing to an extraordinary experience that highlights cultural accessibility and inclusivity. Together, both FusionFest and Dr. Phillips Center embody a shared commitment to honoring diversity and sharing the stories that unite us all.

 

"Seeing so many cultures come together each year, each sharing their own unique beauty and contributions, is at the heart of FusionFest. We’re thrilled to celebrate alongside Dr. Phillips Center’s ten-year commitment to cultural accessibility,” said Terry Olson, Co-Founder of FusionFest.

 

Highlights for FusionFest 2024:

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  • Citizenship Ceremony: Kicking off the festival is a powerful Citizenship Ceremony, officiated by U.S. District Judge Roy Dalton, Jr., where 25 new citizens from 15 countries will pledge allegiance, celebrating FusionFest’s vision of community inclusion.

  • Kaleidoscope – A Showcase of Creative Collaboration: Directed by Orlando’s CeCe Teneal, this spectacular show will feature an impressive lineup of performers bringing FusionFest’s spirit of artistic collaboration to life

  • Global Culinary Vendors: A unique lineup of culinary vendors will serve dishes from around the world, offering festivalgoers an immersive journey through international flavors.

  • Visual Arts Gallery: This year’s exhibit will explore cultural expressions in vibrant color compositions, showcasing how visual art connects communities.

  • MYgration Films: This film series brings short documentaries to the Massey Stage, each capturing local residents’ migration stories, bridging cultural understanding through personal narratives.

  • Multicultural Choir Concert Closing: The festival will conclude with a moving choral performance under the direction of Grammy-winning conductor Jeffery Redding, resonating with themes of hope and unity.

 

FusionFest 2024 is made possible by the support of Orange County Government, National Endowment for the Arts, Florida Division of Arts & Culture, United Arts of Central Florida, and many more. These collaborations empower FusionFest to offer this free, ticketed event, celebrating our community’s unique cultural tapestry.  The community is invited to join us at FusionFest 2024, where every dance, flavor, and story tells a piece of Central Florida’s incredible cultural mosaic. Free Admission – with ticket.

 

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

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Contact: Paula Wyatt Paula@AnythingisPoshAble.com - 321 946 6565

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