About Us

About Us

FusionFest Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to celebrate the people and the many different cultures that make Central Florida awesome by showcasing talents, sharing stories, driving innovation and building community based on respect and understanding.

FusionFest is a project of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Our Story

It all began when Guenet & Sam Roberts of the Caribbean American Passport and Yves Bouele of the African Leaders Council approached Terry Olson about creating some kind of international event. While there are dozens of festivals centered around one heritage or another in our community, we thought, What if we all came together at the same time?

In November of 2016, about 40 people from various heritages, including co-founder Thali Sugisawa, gathered to brainstorm the best way to share our heritages. In the following month, a Steering Committee began to take shape and has been meeting monthly ever since.

Some of the early stepping stones to the festival were bimonthly “Gathering of Nations” events with a few people from every heritage we could find in Central Florida (currently we have more than 140 heritages identified). Each of the Gatherings was focused on a particular aspect of culture – Food, Dance, Music, Clothing, Games, Literature. These explorations helped us envision what a “fusion” festival would look like – a place where we honored our heritages while celebrating how we influence each other as we shape our own unique identity as Central Floridians.

Awards

• Award of Excellence at the 2019 Golden Brick Awards by the Orlando Economic Partnership

• Community Outreach Program at the 2020 SunSational Awards by the Florida Festivals and Events Association

• Best Sponsor Partnership, Promotional Mailer and Instagram at the 2021 SunSational Awards by the Florida Festivals and Events Association

• Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation at the 2021 National Association of Counties (NACO) Achievement Awards

• Award in the Arts Category at the 2021 Golden Brick Awards for by the Orlando Economic Partnership

• 1st Place- Community Outreach Program 2024 SunSational Awards by the Florida Festivals and Events Association

• 2nd Place- Children’s Programming 2024 SunSational Awards by the Florida Festivals and Events Association

• 2nd Place- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative 2024 SunSational Awards by the Florida Festivals and Events Association

FusionFest Today

OUR MISSION: To celebrate the people and the many different cultures that make Central Florida awesome by showcasing talents, sharing stories, driving innovation and building community based on respect and understanding.

WHAT WE DO: We organize weekly and monthly, both virtual and in-person, events that keep the community engaged and connected to the cultural diversity in Central Florida. We participate in parades and create dining experiences and workshops from January to November. Our signature event on Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving Day in Downtown Orlando is a free, two-day, festival that draws people from more than 110 different cultures to experience music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games and interactive activities.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Keep an eye on our social media and website to join in one (or several) of the events we host or partner with:

• Diversitastic! Dining Experience – Monthly

• MYgration Films Watch Party – Monthly

• Annual Festival celebrating 100+ cultures

WHEN IS THE FREE FESTIVAL: Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving Day.

FESTIVAL HOURS: Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM & Sunday Noon – 6:00 PM

WHAT WILL YOU FIND AT THE FESTIVAL:

• Opening Spectacle & Diversitastic! Choir

• Citizenship Ceremony

• International Food Court & Marketplace

• Stages featuring music, dance, spoken word, cosplay and fashion

• Screening of MYgration Films

• Visual Art Gallery

• Family Village

• Interactive Experiences & Art Classes

• Cardboard Village of the World

• Cultural Displays

• Global Street Dance Party

• Country Meet-Up & Group Photo

WHERE: At the Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Orlando.

WHO IS BEHIND IT: FusionFest Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a project of the Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs office. Since 2016 a Steering Committee of 40 members with heritages from around the globe meets monthly to shape the project.

SPELLING: FusionFest is one-word with two capital Fs.

HASHTAGS: #FusionFest #FusionFestOrlando #ICanBeMeHere #ProudToShowMyColors

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook.com/FusionFestOrlando & Instagram.com/FusionFestOrlando