Center Preserves Korean Culture - the International Institute of St

12 Pages·2004·6.74 MB·English

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INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
S AINT lOUIS exPLORING THE PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF ST. LOUIS AND THE WORLD
Spring 1998
Center Preserves Korean Culture
Kay Song Lee is director of the Korean "I wanted to help Korean-Americans," he
Culture Center, and founder of a dream added, "The first generation, especially, has a lan Moving toward its
He is also the owner and publisher of the Korean guage handicap, They could not understand
of
AmericanJoumal and three other Korean-lan American newspapers and TV," vision the
guage publications, Lee came to the United So, Lee started a Korean language newspa
States to study at St. Louis University and per. That first newspaper led to more, includ American Dream
remained to rear his family. Today, he helps pre ing Beauty Times, which he now publishes in
serve the Korean traditions and customs which both Korean and English.
have been transplanted to middle America, In 1993, Lee and other leaders joined together
"The first Koreans to come here were young to create the Korean Culture Center, a non-profit
doctors," he said, "Then their families joined agency. It nurtures and promotes Korean art and
them, Now, there are about 5,000 Koreans in St. culture, "We felt that we had to do it," he
Louis. I had planned to go back after receiving says, 'There was no other agency work
my MBA degree, But by then, we had four chil ing to preserve Korean culture for the
dren -the two youngest born here, They loved it second generation, And Americans
and wanted to stay" had no way to know about the
wonderful traditions we bring."
The Center is gradually
collecting costumes, art work,
calligraphy and other artifacts
of Korea It shares office space
with theJoumal and Lee's other
publications. Bride and Groom costumes collected by the Korean Culture Center. Photo courtesy St. Louis Chinese
"Today, we don't have any American News.
way to exhibit the collection
or otherwise share it with outsiders," Lee says. A year later, local Korean women got so inter
"But we are working to build a real center, a ested that they fonned their own drum troupe
place where we can have a Korean cultural within Eo Ul Lim. Now the two groups perform
school for the young people and display exam together at International Folkfest and other
ples of our culture." events. There they can encourage pride among
Today, their best known activity is the popular Koreans and introduce that faraway country's
dance troupe called Eo Ul Lim ("Get Together"), artistry to Americans of a different heritage.
traditional masked dance, very popular all over Korean Culture Center is moving toward its
Korea It is performed at New Year, vision of the American Dream-the view of
Independence Day and other festivities. In the America not as a melting pot but as a rainbow, a
Kay Song Lee peiforms with Eo U1 Lim, the popular old days, it was supposed to drive out evil spirits creation of many hues and colors, each adding to
Korean dance troupe. Now it's just for fun. the loveliness of the whole.
e orne" for International Institute
"
on ed by ationsBank
I n February, NationsBank announced the restaurants and
.• donation of a 30,000 square-foot office businesses, which The International
building to the International Institute, a St. arc operaLed by
Louis-based, not-for-profit organization that foreign born Institute will rnove in
resettles refugees in the south City area The owners and pro
building is valued at $500,000 prietors Many of early 1999
The two-story office building, located at 3654 these businesses are
South Grand, is near the heart of the city's just north of the
International District, where more than 6,000 intersection of Grand
refugees from Vietnam, Bosnia, Croatia, Somalia, and Gravois.
Iraq and many other countries have settled since Serving as a
1990 under the auspices of the International catalyst for economic
Institute. More than IS,OOO refugees and immi development, the
grants now live in south St Louis. International
"The International Institute occupies a unique Institute typically
role in our community, bringing people together settles about SO to
in a safe haven," said Richard Jensen, president of 120 people monthly.
NationsBank St Louis. "America has always Nearly 1,500
drawn strength from its diverse immigrant popu refugees, including
lation, and we are proud to help the International 1,100 Bosnians,
Institute with its mission." settled in south
from lejl: Craig Schmid, 10th Ward Alderman, Linda Morice, Chair oj the Inter
The International Institute will move from its St Louis last year
national Institute Board, and Richard Jensen, President of NationsBank St. Louis,
current quarters at 3S00 Park near Cardinal "These new
scan renovation plans for the Institute's new facility at 3654 So. Grand Blvd.
Glennon Children's Hospital to the South Grand Americans are
location in early 1999 revitalizing neighborhoods and are making pro The South Grand building, which recently
"The NationsBank donation will give us more ductive contributions to the community at a time housed medical offices and once served as a car
classroom space to teach critical skills for adapt when 51. Louis has experienced a population shift dealership, will be renovated by the International
ing to life in this country," said Linda Morice, away from the City," said Craig Schmid, St. Louis, Institute. Renovation plans are being developed
chair of the Board of the International Institute. Alderman for the 10th Ward "They have joined by the Mayer Design Group, in cooperation with
"The new location is a more accessible site, dou the great American melting pot and are making a the volunteer services of Austin Tao, a well
bles our parking space and puts us right where wonderful impact on local commerce and neigh known Chinese-American landscape architect,
we need to be for our refugee population." borhoods," he added. "The NationsBank dona- and Rene Michel-Trapaga, a noted Mexican-
The international corridor along South Grand tion will allow the International Institute to better American artist IOSEPH H. A,\H) F10RE'\CE \. !<OfH U
boasts some of the area's most successful ethnic serve this community." f-OU~D/I TI(}\!
Il PpoJrc f or I'HE iN r::RNATIONfJ.i INSTITUTE SPECTRU""
Citizenship Process More Complex
Effective Augus 30, the Immigration Service To qualify, the applicant must be: or money order for $95 per applicant. Please
New Procedures is emllng pnvate testing for citizenship, • At least 50 years old and a resident of the review each application or petition carefully
currently conducted at 1,500 centers throughout US for at least 20 years, or before submission.
the US. The International Institute in St. Louis • At least 55 years old and a resident for at All applications must be mailed to:
has been serving as such a testing site. least 15 years. Lincoln Service Center, PO Box 87400, Lincoln,
Applicants who need to be tested after August The only remaining testing date is June 27 at Nebraska 68501-7400.
30, 1998, will have the option of being examined the International Institute Telephone [phone]
INS Plans to Raise Filing Fees
during the INS interview or may choose to take for more information and to register. Registration
the examination at an Application Control will cost $30. The US Department of Justice has announced
Center, where fingerprinting is conducted. The proposed increases in filing fees. In certain cases,
nearest ACC is located in Chicago. New Rules on Filing N-400, Applicationfor US the fees are being more than doubled for
Citizenship: Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Citizenship Test in English until Aug. 30: All N-400 Forms (Application for applications and petitions.
Testing in English to qualified candidates is Naturalization) must now be submitted directly For example, 1-485, Application to Register
still available at the International Institute, 3800 to the Lincoln Service Center of the Immigration Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, will
Park Ave in St. Louis, on April 11, May 9,june and Naturalization Service. N-400 applications increase from $130 to $220 per person. 1-763,
13,july 11, and August 8. Telephone [phone] are no longer accepted at the St. Louis INS Office Application for Employment Authorization will
for more information and to register. Registration or at INS offices elsewhere. This process does not increase from $70 to $100. N-400, Application
will cost $30. After August 8, citizenship testing allow for application review by a knowledgeable for Naturalization, will increase from $95 to
will only be available during the INS interview. official before its submission. Thus, the odds are $225 per person.
raised that the Lincoln Service Center will reject It was not known at publication time whether
Citizenship Test in Russian and Spanish an application as being incomplete or inaccurate. the new fee schedule would be approved.
until Aug. 30: Each application must include: 1) N-400 Confirm fees with your local INS office before
Certain Russian and Spanish speakers can take application, 2) two photos per instructions, submission. An incorrect payment will delay
the US citizenship test in their native language. 3) a legible copy of both sides of the Permanent action on your application or petition.
Resident Alien Registration card, and 4) a check
Springboard to Learning:
Expanding Minds and Hearts
It began with one grandmother, one class to a different culture and way of life.
Spril1gboard's unique room and one big dream. He even had an opportunity
Today, Springboard to Learning is a multi to taste venison."
uhands-on" approach cultural school program like no other. Young "Now a successful attor
people visit faraway places with strange-sounding ney, he still remembers
names -without leaving their school desks. these experiences. In fact,
They learn how children in other countries play he called Springboard his
and what food they eat. They don their clothing 'dream supplier.'"
and marvel at how kids can walk, dance, and run Springboard was
in them. founded by Elise
The program is far more than a geography or Schweich. Her
history lesson. Nor is it limited to a foreign land. dream was to bring
Young people also learn about prejudice and the outside world
racism and how to understand another person, into the lives of
----------------------------
-wn1l::tT1Pl1l'i1L[1LISOIl l]\,W(~ It''''>IT"<=-ur---1'I'IIreT,,o,rv------;:---
across the world. children.
"We all are different," said Shellie Hexter, "Elise was
Springboard's Executive Director. "Learning to inspired by
Children at Froebel Elementary School wait to perform an Irish dance as part of a Springboard
accept and appreciate those differences is a very PreSident
to Learning program there. Photo courtesy of Springboard to Learning Program.
important part of being an educated person" Kennedy's
Many Springboard teachers have immigrated challenge. 'Ask not what your country can do Commission-St. Louis, helped underwrite
from other countries Others are from St Louis. for you; ask what you can do for your country,'" Springboard's 128 programs last year. Major
They work in a classroom once a week for 14 said Hexter. funding also comes from the Metropolitan
weeks At the end, children have learned more Schweich knew her own grandchildren Desegregation Plan. And Monsanto Fund under
about another country. They have also come to enjoyed hearing about her travels So, when the writes programs in predominantly African
know someone who has personally experienced City school system was advertising for aides, she American St. Louis County school districts not in
the cultural differences in America and in St applied At Ford School, she talked with pupils the Desegregation Plan.
Louis. about other countries she had visited The expe "Springboard and International Institute share
Springboard's unique "hands-on" method of rience was so successful that the schools asked a strong desire to serve the community and to
education breaks through the barriers of racial her to find others to join her help the community understand its ethnic diver
and ethnic stereotypes. Springboard to Learning, now headquartered sity," said Hexter "We feel that getting to know
"I have a letter from an African-American at 634 N Grand, has nourished Schweich's and appreciate such a wide variety of people
attorney who, as a child, was in a Springboard dream, growing steadily for more than 30 years. breaks down stereotypes -of critical importance
program," said Hexter. "The instructor taught the Today, Springboard's 35 teachers work with in a world of growing economic and ethnic inter
children about Native Americans This was the 20,000 public school students The Arts and dependence."
first chance for this inner-city child to be exposed Education Council as well as the Regional Arts
efugee ens Str tch to Learn
-lknow how hard it is when you first Even though she didn't speak English, she was
SeA Friend! come," said Bach Nguyen, 15, a refugee placed in the fourth grade. Today, she still takes
from Vietnam many years ago. Now a top stu English as a Second Language classes Ibrahim is
dent at Gateway Institute of Technology, a city also studying sixth grade math, science and social
magnet high school, Nguyen volunteers to help studies with the rest of her American classmates.
other refugee teenagers "get the right start" Determined to succeed, she faithfully takes the
through homework coaching sessions at the bus to the Institute each afternoon to find a vol
International Institute unteer to help her study.
Each weekday afternoon, dozens of newly "The refugee students are making great
arrived refugee teenagers flock to the Institute's progress and are so grateful for help with their
After School Tutoring Program Most of them homework," said Knirr. "I've seen them literally
have been in the US for less than two years They shake with worry about not finishing an assign
face learning challenges as diverse as astronomy, ment on time"
English, biology, math, and American history. For Nguyen and other volunteers, it's a chance
"Schools assign refugee children to a grade to help others to achieve their dreams
level by age," said Jane Knirr, the Institute's
Youth Services Coordinator "Often, refugee stu More volunteers willing to help young people with
dents struggle due to language, cultural and aca From left: Hamdi Ibrahim gets homework help from their homework are needed M-F afternoons from
demic differences." Kathryn Gunn, a volunteer who attends St. Louis 3:30 to 5 PM and M-TH evenings from 7-9:30 PM.
Take Hamdi Ibrahim, for example. She arrived Universtiy School oj Medicine. Telephone Jane Knirr at [phone] for more
with her family from Somalia about two years ago information
. PECTRUM A PROJECT OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
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.. - .~
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Calendar of Ethnic and International
Events: Spring 1998
Photos courtesy of Wayne Crosslin.
Correct as of publication date. Please call to confirm Voices from the Dust: Making a Digital Edition of the The Mikado. Webster University, Conservatory of
details. Unless otherwise noted, all phone numbers are Canaanite Literary Texts from Ugari1. Lecture by Wayne T. Pitard. Theatre Arts. Loretto Hilton 968-7128.
area code 3 I 4. The St. Louis Art Museum. 721-0072.
Baaba Maal, African singing sensation. Edison Theatre at
CajunlZydeco Dance and workshop with live music by Blue Washington University. Co-presented by The Sheldon and Edison
Bottle Swamp. Focal Point. 869-8216. Theater. (Tickets through Metratix 534-1111).
Ancient Gold: The Wealth of the Thracians,
Treasures from the Republic of Bulgaria. Special exhibition at The
Re-Inventing the Multicultural Arts Festival. Free workshop Pan-American Day Celebration. Latin American food,
Saint Louis An Museum. 721-0072.
presented by the International Institute. See box on page 5. musical program and ballroom dancing. Sponsored by La
Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090. Sociedad Hispano-Americana de San Luis. Clayton
The Greatest Places. Omnimax visit to the
Community Center. 645-3903.
locales and inhabitants of seven of the most beautiful and least
Changes and Funny Stories from Travels in the
visited places in the world. 289-4444.
Soviet Union and Russia: 1989-1998. Lecture by Rex Migration Melodies. Listen and dance to tradi
Van Alsick. Sponsored by Webster U Center for tional folk and ethnic music, plus family-oriented
Africa's Needs: What US Role? Lecture by Jean-Germain Gras.
International Education. Webster U. 968-7432. craft activities. Jefferson Memorial, History
Sponsored by World Community Center. Salad Bowl Cafeteria.
Museum, Forest Park. 746-4599.
862-5735.
Balkan Dance Workshop with Yves Morau
from Canada. Holy Communion Church, U City. John Redboum! One of England's finest gui
The Ethnic Nation and the Political State in ModemJapan.
Sponsored by the International Folk Dance tar stylists, playing blues, Renaissance and
Lecture by Kevin Doak. Sponsored by the Joint Center for East
Association. Irish music. Focal Point. 961-6881.
Asian Studies at Washington U and UM-St. Louis.
638-4024.
Washington U. 935-4448.
West African Craft and Story Time.
1 ,'ol. 1 ~ 1998 World's Fair Family Worldways Children's Museum. 909-0408.
Chinese Bronze Food Containers: Special Spring Break
Weekend. Celebration of exotic cul
Program for Families. The St. Louis An Museum. 721-0072.
tures in a family atmosphere, featur Explosive Development of Early Cahokia
ing some of the area's finest ethnic Mounds. Lecture by Dr. Timothy Pauketat.
Wales in Spirit and Song. Lecture by Bob Willis. Travel
performers. Jefferson Memorial, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site,
Lecture Series, Graham Chapel, Washington University.
History Museum at Forest Park. 454- Collinsville, IL [phone].
935-5212.
3121.
Multicultural Celebration. Multi-eth
Big Muddy Folk Festival. Thespian Hall, Boonville, MO.
Re-Inventing the Multicultural Arts nic potluck dinner and impromptu
[phone].
Festival. Free workshop presented by the performances by members of the Five
International Institute. See box on page 5. Church Association. Bring family,
S1. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities Volkswalk through Zoo and
At the International Institute. 773-9090. friends and an ethnic dish and come share in the
Forest Park. 741-0924.
fun. Compton Heights Christian Church. 776-1410.
________
) Deutscher Maennerchor Spring Dance at German
Middle East Dance Show with live MU5\!i;.@!~~ID.§Q!!!!Jn'... _ __~ ~ __~ ~~~~":""--=- ..----J
ana]apanese lftjluences
wrn~nmese
Simone's 7th Veil Dance Studio White House Reception Hall.
on Porcelain. Lecture by Elizabeth Semmelhack. The
984-8008.
Carmen San Diego International Puzzle Hunt. St. Louis Art Museum. 721-0072.
For children between 4 &:. 11. Worldways Children's
Czech Festival. Traditional Czech food, music, dance and
Museum 909-0408 Turkey: Pivotal State Astride Europe and Asia. Lecture by
song plus fashion show of authentic and beautiful costumes.
Ahmet Karamustafa. Sponsored by World Community Center.
American Czech Center 352-4561 or 832-3744.
Kahok Indian Dancers. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Salad Bowl Cafeteria. 862-5735
Collinsville, IL. [phone].
StorytellingJrom an Tlliniwek wdge
Planning the Multicultural Arts Festival: Nuts and Bolts. Free
(for the young) followed by oral traditions of the Eastern
Polka Mass St Stanislaus Kostka Church. 421-5948 workshop presented by the International Institute. See box on
Woodlands. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site,
page 5. Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090.
Collinsville, IL. [phone]
Rubber Plant Christmas Tree: Crossing Cultural Boundaries.
Lecture by Diana Pascoe. Sponsored by Webster U. Center for
Polish Blessing oj
International Education. Webster U 968-7432
Easter Food. St Stanislaus
The Greatest Places. Omnimax visit to the
Kostka Church. 421-
Tom May and Mark Mobek. St. Louis singer/song
locales and inhabitants of seven of the most beautiful and least
5948.
writer Mark Mobek is joined by Denver
visited places in the world. 289-4444.
singer/songwriter Tom May for a folk
Classical/Flamenco
music collaboration. The Sheldon.
Concert featuring guitarist Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Storytelling, crafts
533-9900.
and activities in Oaxaca Village Exhibit. Worldways Children's
Virginia Luque. Ethical
Museum 909-0408.
Society. Sponsored by the
Impact on Panama's
Classical Guitar Society.
Environment oj US Militmy Policy
Dance the Sun Up Morris Dance. Sutton and Zephyr
567-5566.
and Colonization. Lecture by Jesus 647-1804
Alemancia. Salad Bowl Cafeteria.
Deutscher Kulturverein
Sponsored by Fellowship of
In the Soul of Spain. Lecture by Bob Chrysler Travel Lecture
Easter Concert and Egg Hunt Donau Park.
Reconciliation; Sisters of Loretto;
Series, Graham Chapel, Washington University. 935-5212.
771-8368.
American Friends Service Committee;
Continued on page 4
St Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America 721-2977.
Creatures oj the Amazon Visit up
close and personal with a live boa constric
Cultural Integration Lecture by Prahan Cumarasamy. SPECIAL ATTENTION!
tor and other animals of the Amazon
Sponsored by Webster U. Center for International
Basin St. Louis Science Center. 533-
Education. WebsterU 968-7432.
8887
International Night presented by international students
Tibetan Buddhism: Art and Culture.
at Lindenwood University. Food, dance and music from
Lecture by Robert E. Gross. Cosponsored by the
different countries represented. Lindenwood University Club.
An Museum and the Asian Art Society. The St. Louis Art
949-4978.
Museum. 721-0072.
Don McLean. Famous singer-songwriter now celebrating
St. Louis African Chorns Once again these St. Louis favorites June 6 and 7
the silver anniversary of the day the music died. Fantastic Folk
bring their joyous sound to an evening of music from around
Series at the Sheldon 533-9900.
Africa The Sheldon. 533-9900.
A PROJECT OF THE rNTERNATION4l INS TITUT[ I
II
al
vents: rl@ I
. Religion's Role in World Affairs: Challenges Jor the US. Attracting Attendance for Multicultural Arts Festivals. Free
Lecture by David Winder. Sponsored by World Community workshop presented by the International Institute See box on
..' Planmng the Multicultlrral Arts FestfvaL Free workshop Center. Salad Bowl Cafeteria. 862-5735 . page 5. At the International Institute. 773-9090.
presented by thl'. Intemationallnslltute. See box on page 5.
At the Imemationallnstitute. 773-9090. . International Social Services. Learn about the tracing, mes The Festival of Nations. Outdoor street festival, designed
sage and reunion :.ervices the Red Cross proVides for families sep to highlight diversity and celebrate the unity of the greater South
.: Native American Culture Through Storytelling and Music. arated by disaster. American Red Cross, St. Louis County St. Louis community. South Grand Blvd. 772-4640
Sponsored by the UM-St. Louis and 19th Annual St. Headquarters 286-8201.
Louis Storytelling FestivaL Cahokia Mounds State Orientation to International Services. See listing for May 14.
Historic Site, Collinsville, IL [phone] , International Relief and Development. Training to enable paid American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201
and volunteer staff to respond to inquiries and coordinate com
Folk harpist Kim Robertson conducts work munity-based international relief and development. American International Humanitarian Law. See listing for May 14.
shop at Music Folk (961-2838) and concert at Red Cross, St. Louis County Headquarters. 286-8201 American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201.
Focal Point (961-6881).
" Nature/Culture Hike. Three-mile hike through archeo International Social Services. See listing for May 15.
Crazy About French. French puppet logical and natural areas at Cahokia Mounds State American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201.
shows, storytelling, cooking demos and a Historic Site, Collinsville, IL. [phone].
guest appearance by Madeline. Advance International Relief and Development. See listing for May 15.
reservations required. Cosponsored , Earth Day Festival. Celebration of the earth American Red Cross, St. Louis City Headquarters. 286-8201.
by Worldways and the Alliance and its resources. Includes International Folkfest
Francaise. Worldways Preview Stage. Tower Grove Park. Sponsored Polish Corpus Christi Mass and Procession, followed by
Children's Museum. 909- by Alliance for a Livable World. 776-4442 luncheon. St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. 421-5948
0408.
Maifest by Deutscher Kulturverein. Magic Quilt Around the World. Hear folktales, create
American Indian Donau Park. 771-8368. crafts and share experiences from five cultures. (For ages 4-7)
Center Pow-Wow. Location TBA COCA. 725-1834.
773-3316. Arts and Children's Programming at
Multicultural Festivals. Free workshop presented African Textile Show. Features
Maifest by D'Froehliche Schuhplattler at by the International Institute. See box on page 5. garments from Senegal to the Congo. The St. Louis Art
Concord Fanners HalL 544-4409. Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090. Museum. 721-0072.
Polish Constitution Day Celebration. St. French Cultural Heritage Festival, Old West African Drumming. Course
Stanislaus Kostka Church. 421-5948. Courthouse. 425-4468, introducing the fundamental concepts of rhythm
through various West African musical traditions
Cinco de Mayo Festival on Cherokee Street. Arts and Children's Programming at COCA. 725-6555.
First annual festival combines Spanish mass at St. Francis Multicultural Festivals. Free workshop
--m-'::;,ale5, paTa~ lTown Cnerokee sn'eer; IOJrowedO. Tooaana - --,nC;"":Jll""n)'YL' runaralsmgJur me lVJUlLlLUlLUfU! fU L~
entertainment (including mariachi band from Mexico) at the Casa Institute. See box on page 5. At the Festival. Free workshop presented by the
Lorna. 664-7234. International Institute. 773-9090. International Institute. See box on page 5.
Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library.
Kids'Day at Cahokia. Hands-on activities, crafts, games and St. Louis-Stuttgart Sister Cities 773-9090.
Volkswalks from Tower Grove Park to three
dancing for kids of all ages. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site,
Collinsville, IL. [phone]. . places: The Hill, Shaw Gardens and Compton Friendship International Family Picnic. Join fami
Heights. 741-0924. lies from around the world to celebrate summer and
Building a Firm Financial Foundation for the Multicultural fellowship. Tilles Park. Sponsored by Friendship
Festival. Free workshop presented by the International Institute. Kahok Indian Dancers Cahokia Mounds International. 569-1190 (ext. 314).
State Historic Site, Collinsville, IL.
See box on page 5. Clayton (Mid County) Public Library.
773-9090. [phone]. Fundraisingfor the Multicultural Arts Festival.
Free workshop presented by the International
Angels in the Vatican. Special Exhibition at Outing to Augusta Winery. Sponsored by Institute. See box on page 5. At the
The Saint Louis Art Museum. 721-0072. St. LOUis-Stuttgart Sister Cities. 842-4999. International Institute. 773-9090.
Building a Firm Financial Foundation for the Multicultural Arts Second Annual S1. Louis DRAGON Second Annual Latin American Festival
Festival. Free workshop presented by the International Institute. BOAT FESTIVAL. A dragon boat is a 40-foot long at Union Station Sponsored by Arts and Treasures of
See box on page 5. At the International Institute. 773-9090 canoe with a carved and painted dragon head and Latin America. 231-7378.
tail. Exciting races between 21-member teams, plus
ULAU with Narisa Bond. Powerful trio of a capella singers Chinese Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, food, sou SI. Stanislaus Kostka Church Annual Picnic Begins with Polka
blending traditional and contemporary indigenous music of the venirs and dancing. Hosted by StreamTeach, Inc. Spanish Lake Mass, followed by homecooked Polish dinners, games, and music.
Americas. Duck Room, Blueberry Hill. For info: 353-WIRE. For Park. St Stanislaus Kostka Church 421-5948,
725-1907
tickets: 534-1111
Ferias of Spain. Flamenco performances, movies, work
Dancer's Passion -HawaiianlTahitian Weekend 98. Divine Design: Angels in Italian Art through the Ages. shops, food and gifts. Sponsored by the St. Louis Cultural
Two days of seminars on Polynesian dance and music. Also, Lecture by Everett Fahy. St. Louis Art Museum 721-0072. Flamenco Society. Clayton Community Center. 781-1537.
Saturday evening recitaVconcert. Oscar's Banquet Center at
Westport. Sponsored by the Hawaiian Polynesian Revue
921-1817.
Missouri Folk Art Festival. Traditional artists, craftsmen Salsa! Learn the basics of salsa and Latin
and performers from Missouri and the world. Warren County dancing step-by-step. Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA).
Fairground, Warrenton, MO. [phone]. 725-1834
Orientation to International Services. Overview of the Attracting Attendance for Multicultural Arts Festivals Free
International Red Cross, the Red Crescent Movement and the workshop presented by the International Institute See box on
international involvement of the American Red Cross. American page 5 Clayton (MidCounty) Public Library. 773-9090.
Red Cross, St. Louis County Headquarters. 286-8201.
Chinese Celebration Day. Chinese Garden tours, Chinese food
International Humanitarian Law. The powerless victims of vendors, craft demos and sales, demonstrations of traditional
war are not without hope, due to international humanitarian law. Chinese music, art and the fabulous dragon dance Missouri
American Red Cross, St. Louis County Headquarters. 286-8201. Botanical Garden 577-9400.
SPECTRUM A
PROjf:.CT OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
Calen ar!
YOlJr~
_.... --..st Ex
andirl toT ree a s: 16 - 18
Oct~
or the first time this year, International Folkfest Chair. "Families with small children will "Adding Friday hours will help the Folkfest
F olkfest will expand to three days of lively especially be delighted," Qureshi added. "Kids grow to meet the really outstanding need." Folkfest (98 is adding
ethnic music, mouthwatering food, and fun can enjoy making ethnic crafts in the children's Members of ethnic organizations wanting to
The doors at Folkfest '98 will open at 6 PM on area, while grown-ups leisurely stroll around" operate food and gift booths can apply to partici
riday night festivities
October 16 at Queeny Park The foot-stomping Folkfest '98 is being expanded, since crowds pate in April. Contracts are mailed first to those
entertainment that has made Folkfest famous will are reaching near capacity Also, there is more who participated last year.
continue all day on October 17 and 18, entertainment than time permits Folkfest tries to present as diverse array of eth
"By visiting on Friday evening, ethnic food 'The indoor space at Queeny Park is too small nic food and gifts possible So, only one gift booth
and music junkies can avoid the crowds that to add another stage or to spread out the activi and one food booth per participating ethnicity is
have been flocking to Folkfest during its tradi ties more," said Qureshi. "We have many fine pennitted Contracts are available by calling the
tional two-day venue," said Barbara Qureshi, ethnic acts that we want to add to the schedule." International Institute at [phone].
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n a few short years, Nhi Nguyen, 26, has she will enter St. Louis University to study refugees return to work in fields related to their
made vast strides toward carving a niche for Management Information Systems. Her strong skills or education.
herself in her new homeland. Nguyen immigrated academic perfonnance and community service "Nhi is an outstanding example of what excel
from Vietnam in 1993. There, she had studied to activities are gaining her more than $12,000 in lent work and dedication to education can mean
be a teacher of English. scholarships. for newcomers," said Margaret Silver, Education
This May, Nguyen will complete an Associate's Nguyen works part-time at the International Director at the Institute. "It is remarkable how
Degree in Business Administration from St. Louis Institute, where she also participates in the well these newcomers can get on with their lives
Community College at Forest Park In September, agency's STAR program for job upgrading. Now with some intensive yet very sensitive assistance."
in its third year, STAR has helped hundreds of
Nhi Nguyen
ulticultural Arts Festivals To Get Help
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he Missouri Arts Council has awarded and production issues for artists and vendors. tion about festivals," said Rynearson, "The
the International Institute $9,000. With Participants will include members of long-estab partiCipants, themselves, will pitch in to share
it, technical assistance will be provided to mul lished black and white communities as well as their experiences and learn from each other,
ticultural arts festival planners recent immIgrants since there's a good deal of hands-on
Members of St. Louis' ethnic communities "We are aiming to provide practical infonna- information out there"
are eager to preserve and promote their unique
cultural traditions. But their efforts to operate
festivals have sometimes floundered. For them,
disappointing turn-out can translate to leader
ship bum-out, financial disaster on both a per
sonal and organizational level, and even to loss
Lo f trust with artists and vendors. In some
cases, a festival's failure has even led to the
demise of the sponsoring organization .
. Ihe...C(lllncil. re.cJlQlli7p<:'IJ~1 PI hnir li><:nvnl
presenters need culturally-appropriate special
ized technical assistance To be successful, the
help must be given by trusted, knowledgeable
institutions and individuals
Accordingly, professional event organizers
will lead a series of free workshops on success
ful festival elements. One-on-one consultations
between ethnic leaders and Ann Rynearson,
the project director, will tailor the more gener
al information to meet specific needs.
Rynearson serves as director of the Institute's
cross cultural programs. She is also assistant
director of International Folkfest, one of our
region's most successful annual multiethnic
festivals
Among the workshop topics are: identifying
audiences; techniques for reaching targeted
audiences; fundraising; establishing the finan- Multicultural festivals help preserve culture and promote tourism Pictured here: Holy Rosary Folkloric group at
cial and legal credibility of the organization Intemational FolkJest
Workshops will be held approximately twice • How do we present the artists? Sound system, ATTRACTING ATTENDANCE
Practicallnforrnation
monthly, from April through June Learn festival staging, dressing rooms Oune4and 6)
basics and inside tips [rom experts:
BUILDING FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS • What are the characteristics of our target audience? for Event Or: nlzers
Demographics-age, income, ethnicity, etc
RE-INVENTING THE MULTICULTURAL (May 7 and 9)
• How do we reach them? Targeted outreach
ARTS FESTIVAL (Apr. 16 and 18)
• How do we keep basic records? Building a "paper • What's our image? Graphic design
• Why do we want to have a festival? trail," plus double entry bookkeeping • What do we say? Public relations and advertising
The mission statement • How do we develop financial reports and file tax
• Who's working on it? Committees, volunteers forms? Establishing credibility FUNDRAISING
and staff • How do we become a SOl(c)3? Oune 18 and 20)
• Who's going to come? Defining the target audience • Why should we?
• How much can we raise on site? Entrance fees,
(e.g, the ethnic group, schoolchildren, residents of • How much can we reasonably expect to raise?
concessions and souvenirs
a particular area, people with a certain interest) Establishing a realistic budget and avoiding debt
• How can we package to event for [unders?
• How many people can we reasonably expect)
• Government arts agencies
Researching other festivals' history ARTS AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING
• Corporations and small businesses
(May 21 and 23)
• How can we match our target audience to funders'
FESTIVAL PLANNING: NUTS AND BOLTS
• How do we find the artists) Talent scouting locally interests?
(Apr. 30 and May 2)
and nationally?
Call Ann Rynearson at [phone] for
• Where and when will we have the festivaP • How do we schedule the artists) Building
further informationand to register
Alternative sites and dates excitement and keeping continuity
• How should we layout the site? Traffic flow • How do we contract with the artists? Preventing Organized by the lntemational Institute with support
(human &: cars) and physical necessities misunderstandings from the Missouri rArtsr Comuncil a sta te agency
• Do we need a permit or forms? Health department • How do we make the festival both fun and ' ~
and city regulations; taxes educational for children and their families?
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4 PROJECT OF THE IflwTERNA1/0NIH fNSiiTUTf: SPECTRUM