What does an Irish folk singer have in common with a Masai warrior? They were both included in a series of programs presented by World Cultures at City College to increase awareness and appreciation of ethnic, gender, environmental and multicultural diversity.

World Cultures brings an array of talent from all over the globe representing artists, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, writers, historians, spokespersons for numerous causes, athletes and educators. Events come in a variety of formats, including multimedia presentations, exhibits, concerts, debates, dramatic performances and speakers. Students also receive free or discounted tickets to cultural activities in San Diego, such as the Old Globe and San Diego Repertory Theatres and the Latino Film Festival.

Started through a grant nearly 10 years ago to celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity at City College and to enhance the curriculum and campus life, World Cultures exposes students and the public to the varieties of people groups, beliefs, traditions, customs, plus the best in music, drama, literature, lecturers, and art.

This year, World Cultures will sponsor approximately 40 events including a new series of travel programs featuring the experiences and perceptions of City professors who have spent time in interesting places, such as Vietnam, Cuba, Nepal, Tibet, Mexico, Africa and Japan.

World Cultures also sponsors programs to add meaning to historical events and special months, such as Black History Month, Humanities Month, Holy Week in Spain and the French Mardi-Gras. Costumes, food, traditional activities and music typical of the celebrations are featured.

This year’s schedule represents the diversity in programs ranging from an African drum and dance ensemble, to a neo-modern jazz quintet, an evening of Latin American poetry, music and photography to a Finnish folk music expert and storyteller. It is expected that World Cultures attendance for the 1999-2000 season will exceed the 5,000 of last year.

World Cultures calendar