Cork Multicultural Open Door Festival
by Stephanie Davis
The Open Door Festival which celebrates its fourth anniversary this year, will run from the 4th to the 10th of October 2008. The aim of the festival is to promote intercultural initiatives and social inclusion in all its forms and to raise cultural awareness and awareness of the wide range of recreation activity opportunities available for all diverse groups in Cork. In particular it seeks to target people who may not normally participate in recreation activity and help bring cultural collaboration into the open door festival.
It is a week long event, free for all, featuring music, cuisine, visual and performing arts. Many different nationalities and cultures will be represented, such as Brazil, Hungary, Russia, Ghana, Vietnam, Lithuania, Poland, Nigeria, China, India, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Pakistan, Albania and other countries. The main four components of the festival will be: international food, traditional song and dance, artifacts & crafts and community participation. Azem, a volunteer involved in the “Just the Locals” photography exhibition which is the one of the festival’s biggest projects, says “it intends to and does bring together people of different cultures and different nationalities as well as reflect the richness and of these cultures and shows how they can integrate into Irish society. Also it brings the message of peace of cooperation and that all people can live together happily despite their differences of colour, race or religion. I think people should come to see as this is the best way to know each-other as well as discover culture and tradition of other cultures around us.” The aim of the exhibition is “to highlight the cultural diversity in Ireland and the inter connection between communities. The exhibition itself will bring the message of how the foreigners/immigrants etc are integrating into local society. It will mostly show the casual/normal life of these individuals/families, with work, life, future and common ways of life.”
For Elisabeth, a leader of the Hungarian community in Cork who will organize a Hungarian event and an art exhibition, “According to the estimates, there are about 9 -10 thousand Hungarians living in Ireland today. There are about 3-4000 who live in Co. Cork. They speak the same language, have the same culture and traditions, that is where the Hungarian group in Cork has began its journey. The Hungarians living here would like to take part in the diverse, multicultural life of the city. We are acting as symbolic bridges between the cultures of the motherland and the cultures of the adoptive countries.
We would like to draw attention to the Hungarian culture, history and gastronomy and make Irish people aware that Cork is evolving into a multicultural city. There are different nationalities in here: from Europe. Asia, Africa. This festival helps us to get closer to each other, get to know each other’s culture, history and cuisine. We are looking forward to the presentations of other nations. We would like to start a series with the help of the “Unusual History” lesson, so that others can join us as well. We would like to have fun and learn from each other. On October 7th at 7pm in Triskell Art Gallery there will be an “Unusual History” lesson presented by our community as a part of the festival, and we will show a film “Eclipse of the Crescent Moon.” The film is based on Geza Gardonyi’s (1863-1922) novel. That is one of the most popular novels in Hungary. The film is set in the 16th century and it is about the siege of Eger. The Hungarians in Eger are able to defend themselves, the castle stands firm, with also the women of Eger joining in he battle.”
Jucilene, a Brazilian volunteer who will have an exhibition stand about her country at the “The World comes to Cork” event on 5th of October, says “The festival is a great initiative, where the immigrants can share experiences, showing their culture and learning about another people’s culture, thus allowing them to better understand each other.
I’m going to try to show a bit about my country. Since Brazil is a very big country, which contains lots of different cultures, this won’t be easy, but I’m going to do my best to bring a piece of some of them. Being involved in the Festival preparations even for a few weeks, I already got a totally new experience. I’ll let the Festival surprise me. The special thing about the Festival is the opportunity to meet new people, even some of your own fellow countrymen, and to make friends. I have to say, that I’ve already experienced this impact myself and I’m very glad I got involved”
During this year’s festival you will be able to speak French and Spanish, watch a belly dance show or dance Salsa, taste African, Asian, Eastern European and other food or attend exhibitions, enjoy street performances, concerts or just company of people of different nationalities with the same ideas and desires.
Therefore, there should be something for everyone during the Cork Multicultural Open Door Festival, so come along and join in the fun!
The festival is 100% voluntary initiative and gratefully supported by Reception and Integration Agency, Cork City Council, Cork City Partnership. We would like to thank you every single person who were willing to help and share their time to prepare the festival.
Further information available from festival organizing committee members Tania 0872819834 and Michelle 0868327635.
Cork Multicultural Open Door Festival 2008
Programme of events
Saturday
4th October
10am -5.30pm
“The Alternative Fair”
Fashion / Jewellery / Art-Deco/ Natural Cosmetics - come to one of Cork’s oldest buildings and discover local Artists, Craft Makers & Fair Trade stalls from around the world. For all ages and tastes, in a friendly atmosphere, an Alternative Fair. For more information please phone 0876110679
Venue: Unitarian Church, Prince’s Street, Cork City
11am - 2pm
Storytelling in French in the children’s section of the Grand Parade Library. Young people will discover a great selection of French children’s books (over one thousand titles). The storytelling will be presented by Sophie Carton, ENFANTS FRANCOPHONES DE CORK, tel. 086 386 4604
Venue: City Centre Library, Grand Parade, Cork City
Sunday
5th October
12noon-6pm
“The World comes to Cork”
This family friendly event showcases photographs, pictures, toys, crafts, art, jewellery and household items of families who have settled in Cork from many different countries. Of course, there will be samples of food, made with recipes brought from far flung homes.
1pm-1.30pm Yasir Younis and Co present musical performance “Drumming Talks”. The “Amica Voce” a Hungarian Chamber Choir will present traditional music peaces of Hungarian composers of the 20th century.
1.30pm - 4pm Kids and adults alike will enjoy entertainment and games, music, dance and other performances.
4pm - 4.30pm The day will be crowned with a fashion show of traditional costumes.
4.30pm Hip Circles Bellydance present “Spark of the Orient” - a colourful tribal Fusion bellydance display
Venue: All in South Parish Community Centre, Sawmill Street, Cork City
1.30pm -2pm
Capoeira Performance
A mix between Brazilian dance and Martial Arts together with Brazilian music, songs and instruments played by the Capoeira group and led by Professor Popeye from Mundo Capoeira. The performance will also feature Maculele, another Brazilian dance with sticks accompanied by acrobatic movements, music and songs.
Venue: St. Patricks Street, Cork City
Monday
6th October
10am-2pm
Aisha Spice House tasting day
Let the wonderful smells wafting down Shandon Street tempt you in! Sample Indian/Asian foods and get advice on the best way to make a biryani or a curry dish and any other Indian main dish or starters. For more information phone Hafez at 0863711606
Venue: Aisha Spice House, 32 Shandon Street, Cork City
6.30pm
Free salsa lesson given by Salsa Ireland in their new dedicated dance studio. Come along, try Salsa and get in touch with your Latin inside.
For more information phone Kathleen 0862121273, e-mail: info {at} salsaireland(.)com
Venue: unit 70, Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay, Cork City
7.30pm
Spectacular and amazing Fire Show performance presented by the culturally diverse troupe PassePartout Circus Compagnie
Venue: Grand Parade, Cork City
Tuesday
7th October
10.30 pm - 8.00 pm
Mercury Shop “Open day”
Have you ever looked at the wonderful selection of food in the Polish section of your supermarket and wondered what it tastes like? This is your chance to find out! Come to either of the Mercury food stores today and sample biscuits, sweets, pastries, sandwiches, and drinks.
Venues: Mercury Food Stores on Washington Street and Penrose Quay, Penrose Wharf, Cork City
7pm-9.40pm
“The Power of Walls is not in their Stones”
This unusual presentation of the history of 16th century Hungary will be shown in the film “Eclipse of the Crescent Moon” (based on a novel by Hungarian writer Gardonyi Geza) and by a play/tournament presented by members of the Hungarian community in Cork in Triskel Art Centre. There will also be an exhibition of photos and historical books as well while Hungarian music will play in Triskel’s foyer. Everyone is welcome.
Venue: Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin Street (off South Main Street), Cork City
Wednesday
8th October
7pm- 9pm.
Singing Workshop “VOICES OF CORK”
Do you like meeting new people and singing? Come along to a workshop and if you like, join our choir! Free but booking required: text your name to Tania on 0872819834
Venue: Glenvera Hotel, Wellington Road, Cork City
7.30pm to 8.30pm
Cork Spanish Circle invites people to come along to sample the Spanish for Beginner’s class
Venue: Telecom Eireann Social Club, 8a McCurtain Street, Cork City (near the Metropole Hotel)
Thursday
9th October
6.30pm
Free salsa lesson given by Salsa Ireland in their new dedicated dance studio. Come along, try Salsa and get in touch with your Latin inside.
For more information phone Kathleen 0862121273, e-mail: info {at} salsaireland(.)com
Venue: unit 70, Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay, Cork City
7pm -9pm
The Intercultural Club Open Evening with talks about cultural differences (topic: cultural norms of our countries of origin as well as Ireland and wherever we have traveled). Everyone is welcome, for more information please contact Sharon 0879151350.
Venue: South Parish Community Centre, Sawmill Street, Cork City
Friday
10th October
7.30pm
“A Piece of Our Lives”
Charleville Women’s Group, a group of “dynamic, diverse and happening women” supporting cultural diversity and integration in a rural context will present a short Film about their lives and an Art Workshop “Colour le Cheile” facilitated by artist Kathryn Crowley.
Venue: Unitarian Church, Princes Street, Cork City
8.00pm
Cois Tine Multicultural Choir Concert
Through the use of song, imagery, light and African drumming Cois Tine Multicultural Choir will present the story of how music reaches across the hands of culture to bring about harmony and unity.
Venue: African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork City
4th-10th October
Alliance Française offers you a FREE 1/1/2 hour French language group tuition during the week of the Multicultural Festival + one free assessment of your level. Book ASAP et amusez-vous bien! And don’t forget to bring this brochure with you. Booking necessary - tel: 0214310677
Exhibitions Line Up
1st-10th October
10am-5.30pm
“Just the Locals”
A cooperative photography exhibition showcasing people from various ethnic groups who made Cork their home. The exhibition is trying to portray the message that each and every one of us is the same and we are all part of the living environment in the same neighbourhood and town. Photographers: Miki Barlok, Nicolas Duranton, Azem Koleci, Krzysztof Werema, Biljana Kovacevic.
Venue: City Centre Library, Grand Parade, Cork City
4th-10th October
10am-6pm
This exhibition will feature ceramic art works by Russian ceramicist Karina Abdul Baneeva. The shapes of her ceramics pieces are influenced by the Irish landscape, features of the human body and modernist sculpture of 20th century.
Elizabeth Szücs a Hungarian artist who discovered Cork by walking on the narrow lanes of the Huguenot Quarter, watching the nice gardens of the villas on the hills of Sunday’s Well from the bank of River Lee, and the medieval atmosphere of the Streets of Shandon Church area. She will exhibit her painting at the same venue as Belarusian photographer Andrei Drynov, who has lived in Cork for over 6 years and will present his new photography project capturing feelings on the Emerald Isle.
Venues: Cork Art Theatre, Camden Court, Carrolls Quay, Cork City
4th-10th October
9am - 6pm
Collection of Art, Photography and media works of international students in St John’s Central College, ground and first floor
Venue: St. Johns College, Sawmill Street, Cork City
8th - 10th October
9.30am - 4.30pm
“Journey of Hope”
A Multicultural photographic exhibition. This exhibition has at its heart stories of asylum seekers and refugees staying strong with dignity as they adjust to a new way of living on a journey of hope.
Venue: Cois Tine, St. Mary’s Popes Quay, Cork City
4th-10th October
9am - 6pm
“Impressions of the South of France”
This exhibition represents everything that is considered authentic for the South of France: a cloudless blue sky, terracotta coloured walls, historical architecture and Mediterranean flora portraying what truly is the essence of Southern France: a laid-back summery beauty, an innate sense of its own history and a unique life-style that fascinates people world-wide. By French photographer Nicolas Duranton.
Venue: St. Johns College, Sawmill Street, Cork City.
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