A 3-day African Culture and Arts, ACA International Festival, coordinated by the Young African Vision Organization will be held on August 9 to 11, 2024 at the Gender Road Christian Church, Canal Winchester, Ohio.

“We aim to showcase the breadth and depth of African creativity by creating fun and relaxed environment where everyone, regardless of their familiarity with art, can engage with and appreciate the transformative power of African arts and culture,” said Ibrahim Diallo, co-convener of the ACA International Festival.

“Our mission is to immerse audiences in the richness of African culture through a diverse range of artistic expressions. From music and dance to visual arts and storytelling, Through our festival, we hope to cultivate cultural diversity, inspire surprise, and foster a deep and lasting appreciation for African arts and culture.”

To be featured at the event are performances (workshops, jam sessions), Art exhibitions (visual arts, sculptures, installations), Dance performances (traditional, contemporary, fusion), Food and drink vendors (African cuisine, international flavors), Cultural workshops (drumming, dancing, crafts), Panel discussions (cultural exchange, art and society) and Film screenings (African cinema, documentaries).

Ibrahim Diallo, who is also the founder of Afro Super Talent in Guinea, West Africa said, “the ACA International Festival will celebrate diversity and foster cultural exchange through art, dance, food, and entrepreneurship.”

Karen Stiles, Executive Director, Destination: Canal Winchester said “We are excited that the ACA International Festival has chosen Canal Winchester, Ohio as the location for the 2024 Festival.

“We are a growing community and as we grow, we have increasing diversity. This is a very important time for events that encourage cultural exchange and understanding. We want all members of our community to feel included and welcome. This festival will help create an environment that not only recognizes the differences between cultures and backgrounds but celebrates them.”

Also, Rev. John Romig, Senior Pastor of Gender Road Christian Church (GRCC) the venue of the ACA International Festival expressed “the full support of Gender Road Christian Church (GRCC) for the upcoming ACA International Festival, hosted by YAV organization and Canal Winchester.”

Todd Phillips, Canal Winchester Performing Arts Collective, Canal Winchester, Ohio said “the international exchange of cultures and understanding will have a long lasting impact on our region with its ability to celebrate the diversity of our world and reveal the universality of the human condition.

“While borders may separate us, the Arts can draw us together. There is no similar program or event offered in our area and given the current mood in our country, an event such as this can help us connect and heal the misconceptions that drive us apart.”

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