24 March 2015 - WORLD CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2015

WORLD CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2015

G'day folks,

I was recently invited to participate in this event by a good friend, Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq, who happens to be the event producer and also Chairman of the International Child Art Foundation. Sadly, I had to decline, but I wanted to bring this event to your notice. As an advocate for kids, I'm always supportive of events that bring kids together, especially when it relates to artistic pursuits. So, visit this wonderful festival if you are in or near Washington DC between June 30 and July 4. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised and entertained.

BACKGROUND

This is your World Festival! The “Olympics” of your imagination and co-creation. You meet kids from around the world, participate in workshops and activities, broaden your talents and sharpen your creative expressions. It’s a fun learning experience. You come to know your world, make new friends, and learn new things.

Your WCF2015 will take place in Washington from June 30th to July 4th. On Tuesday, June 30th the WCF opens at 10:00 am at The Ellipse—“President’s Park” south of The White House. You are welcome and you can bring friends and family members along. You will all enjoy a full day of performances and activities until 7:00 pm.

Each day’s educational focus is different: June 30th is Health & Environment Day, July 1st is Creativity & Imagination Day, and July 2nd is Peace & Leadership Day. On July 1st the WCF also opens at 10:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm. On July 2nd the WCF opens at 10:00 but closes at 5:00 pm, with a drumming ceremony.

 We believe that it takes but a single generation to upend world’s history of violence and poverty, and that our children belong to a creative generation ready to bring about lasting peace and widespread prosperity. But they need your guidance and support. The World Children’s Festival 2015 provides you that window of opportunity.

 Launched in 1999 as the “Olympics” of children’s imagination, the World Children’s Festival (WCF) has grown into the world’s premier children’s celebration and a permanent quadrennial event in our nation’s capital.

The WCF brings together some of the most imaginative children in the world and provides them a transformative experience so they become the new makers and creators, inspired to work together and create a brighter future for all.

The official delegates are selected through the Arts Olympiad, the world’s largest children’s art program. The U.S. Olympic Committee has granted the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF) an exclusive license to use the “Arts Olympiad” mark. The Arts Olympiad winners representing their U.S. states and over 70 other countries convene at the WCF, along with amazing young musicians and performers selected to represent world cultures.

The WCF2015 opens on June 30^th with a three-day public celebration at The Ellipse next to The White House. The WCF workshops are based on STEAMS Education—the ICAF’s pioneering approach to integrate STEM disciplines with art and culture (signified by the "A") and sport and play (the "S") for children's holistic development. Sequencing of the intervention at the WCF is based on the ICAF’s Peace through Art Methodology, published in the medical journal The Lancet

  

June 30^th - Health & Environment Day

July 1^st - Creativity & Imagination Day

July 2^nd - Peace & Leadership Day
 

In a setting of global community, the production and exhibition of children’s amazing works, the electrifying performances by young musicians and dancers, the coproduction of peace murals by professional artists and children from conflict zones, and the workshops by international educators will collectively create a synesthetic experience—a total work of art and a global celebration of “Creativity, Diversity, and Unity.”

 Schedule

Tuesday, June 30th	10:00 am to 10:45 am	WCF2015 Opening Ceremony: Health & Environment Day
	11:00 am to 7:00 pm	STEAMS workshops/activities and multicultural performances
Wednesday, July 1st	10:00 am to 10:45 am	Opening Ceremony: Creativity & Imagination Day
	11:00 am to 7:00 pm	STEAMS workshops/activities and multicultural performances
Thursday, July 2nd	10:00 am to 10:45 am	Opening Ceremony: Peace & Leadership Day
	11:00 am to 4:30 pm	STEAMS workshops/activities and multicultural performances
	4:30 pm to 5:00 pm	WCF Public Event Closing Ceremony
Friday, July 3rd	6:00 pm to 10:00 pm	5th World Children’s Awards Banquet (private event)
Saturday, July 4th	11:00 am to 8:00 pm	U.S. Independence Day celebrations at The National Mall

Clancy's comment: Other than the provision of food, water and shelter, it is my belief that every child deserves to reach their full potential. This is a great way to encourage kids to do exactly that, and more strength to the organisers. Well done!

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