Explore over thirty cultures from around the world at the World Arts Celebration on Saturday, May 21, from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. around the City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza (735 Town Center Drive). International food vendors, free children’s activities, cultural exhibits, and three stages full of non-stop entertainment will make for an evening full of fun for the whole family.
Visit exhibits from seventeen countries: Germany- Newport News Sister Cities, China- Newport News Sister Cities, Japan- Newport News Sister Cities, France-Newport News Sister Cities, Panama- Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads, Ethiopia-Konjo Kids Foundation, Taiwan- Taiwan American Association, Caribbean- Virginia American Caribbean Cultural Association, Mali- Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Egypt- Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Africa- Atumpan Edutainment, China- Jow Ga Kung Fu Association, Italy- Peninsula Italian American Lodge #2145, Nicaragua- Nica Art Pottery, Mexico- Cesar Straw Art, Zambia- Banana Leaf Art Project, and Ghana- Bolga Handwoven Baskets and Bags by Temalle.
Free children’s activities will be offered featuring a variety of countries: India-Henna Body Art, Australia- Face Painting and Aboriginal Boomerang Craft, France- Face Painting, Mexico- Piñata Activity, Russia- Faberge Egg Craft, Brazil- Carnival Mask Craft and Carnival Headdress, Peru- Embossed Foil Sun Craft, Canada- Canada Day Bracelet Craft, Africa- Collar Necklace Craft, Hawaii- Lei Necklace Craft, and photo booth with props representing a variety of countries from around the world.
Folkdance, music, martial arts, and storytelling performances will fill three stages. Strolling entertainment will include a French mime troupe and a living Statue of Liberty. Spray paint artist Mikendales will create paintings on site and Nomadic Glass will demonstrate glass blowing. The headliner is Red Baraat, eight-piece band from Brooklyn, New York. Conceived by dhol player Sunny Jain, the group has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound — a merging of hard driving North Indian Bhangra with elements of go-go, rock and jazz.
International food vendors will sell food representing seven countries: Jamaica- Down to the Bone, Korea- Seoul 757, Puerto Rico- Sofrito, Brazil- Tucano’s Brazilian Grill, Greece- Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, France- Indulge Bakery and Bistro, Italy- Deluca Gelato, Made 4 U Italian Ice, and Rosko’s.
The World Arts Celebration is presented by the City of Newport News, Newport News Sister Cities, and the Virginia Arts Festival. Admission and parking are free. Free sombreros, paper parasols, and Chinese fans will be given away while supplies last
