Cultural Appreciation in Action: 5 Inspiring Examples

Cultural appreciation has become a much-discussed topic in recent years, and for good reason. Appreciating different cultures can help us understand and respect diverse communities, traditions, and values. Moreover, cultural appreciation can lead to deeper connections between people from different backgrounds and promote mutual understanding.

While cultural appropriation, or the inappropriate use of cultural elements without permission or understanding, is a negative and harmful phenomenon, cultural appreciation refers to a mutual exchange of respect and appreciation for each other’s cultures.

In this article, we will explore five inspiring examples of cultural appreciation in action, from food to fashion, and see how these initiatives promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

1. The Cultural Kitchen

The Cultural Kitchen is a social enterprise that works with female refugees and migrants in Sydney, Australia, to provide commercial kitchen training, employment opportunities, and a platform to share their cultural heritage through food. The initiative was founded by Manal Al-Sharif, a Saudi activist who wanted to empower women from diverse backgrounds and showcase the rich and diverse food culture of Sydney.

The Cultural Kitchen not only serves authentic and delicious dishes cooked by the migrant women themselves but also creates a space for customers to learn about the cultural stories and traditions behind the food. Moreover, the Cultural Kitchen enables the participants to gain skills and confidence in the kitchen, which can help them secure employment in the future.

2. The Refugee Art Project

The Refugee Art Project is a community-based project that provides art workshops and exhibitions for refugees and asylum seekers in Sydney. The initiative was founded by Safdar Ahmed, a Pakistani-Australian artist and academic who was motivated by the lack of support for refugees in Australia.

The Refugee Art Project aims to create a safe and supportive space for refugees to express themselves through art and share their cultures with the wider community. The artworks produced by the participants are exhibited in galleries and public spaces, showcasing the talent and resilience of refugee communities in Australia.

3. The Indigenous Fashion Project

The Indigenous Fashion Project is an Australian initiative that promotes and celebrates the work of Indigenous designers and artists in the fashion industry. The project was launched in 2016 by Australian fashion designer Ingrid Verner, who wanted to create a platform for Indigenous designers to showcase their work and stories.

The Indigenous Fashion Project supports Indigenous designers by providing mentorship, business training, and opportunities to participate in fashion events and exhibitions. The project also raises awareness about Indigenous cultures and the importance of respecting and acknowledging traditional knowledge and practices.

4. The Harlem Arts Festival

The Harlem Arts Festival is an annual event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Harlem, New York. The festival features music, dance, visual arts, and spoken word performances by local artists and performers from across the country.

The Harlem Arts Festival aims to promote and support the arts and culture of Harlem, which has a long history of artistic and intellectual contributions to the African American community. By showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists, the Harlem Arts Festival also challenges the negative stereotypes and narratives that have often been associated with the community.

5. The Immigrant Business Expo

The Immigrant Business Expo is an annual event that celebrates and promotes immigrant entrepreneurship and innovation in the United States. The expo features a showcase of businesses founded and run by immigrants, workshops on starting and growing a business, and networking opportunities with investors and other business leaders.

The Immigrant Business Expo seeks to highlight the positive contributions of immigrants to the US economy and society, which often go unacknowledged or undervalued. By showcasing successful immigrant businesses and providing resources and support for aspiring entrepreneurs, the Expo aims to empower and uplift immigrant communities in the US.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of cultural appreciation in action, but they demonstrate the power of respectful exchange and understanding between different cultures. By promoting cultural appreciation, we can learn more about the world and ourselves and create a more inclusive and harmonious society.