About GFF 2011
WHO ARE WE?
As a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) the Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC) works to increase Philadelphia's share of the multicultural meetings and tourism markets and is the official multicultural tourism marketing agency for the city of Philadelphia. MAC was formed in 1987 and over the last five years, the PCVB has invested more than $7.1 million in direct sales, marketing and community partnerships in positioning Philadelphia in the multicultural destination arena. More than just showcasing the cultural diversity of Philadelphia, this vibrant advocacy and membership organization has brought social responsibility to tourism marketing, positioned the city as a premier destination that welcomes everyone, and makes every effort to ensure the highest possible benefits for Philadelphia’s multicultural business community in the hospitality and tourism industry.
WHAT IS THE GLOBAL FUSION FESTIVAL?
Initially produced to celebrate MAC’s 20th Anniversary, the Global Fusion Festival (GFF) has expanded from a two-day event entertaining more than 5,000 people, to a week-long celebration attracting more than 25,000 attendees. The festival holds true to its “global fusion” theme by presenting its 2011 theme CARNIVAL, a perfect combination of Caribbean, Hispanic, African, African-American and Asian cultural performers for visitors and residents to experience, all on one stage.
The annual festival is held on July 16th, 2011 at Penn’s Landing Great Plaza and is a part of PECO’s Summer-long Multicultural Festival Series, representing the LARGEST one-day festival in Philadelphia. Entering its 5th year, the Global Fusion Festival & Week truly embodies Philadelphia’s dynamic cultures and makes entertaining all ages a priority by loading the festival grounds from noon to 8pm with unforgettable national award-winning talent, cultural dance performances, ethnic foods, a children’s pavilion, and crafts and giveaways…all for FREE. Our 2011 artists represent the who’s-who in entertainment. From international Bachata performers and hands-clapping gospel artists, pop and rock bands, to award-winning R&B soloists and cultural performers, our line-up will excite the rhythms within your soul.
WHAT IS GLOBAL FUSION WEEK?
The Global Fusion Festival Week presents an assortment of multicultural entertainment, specials, and cuisines representing Philadelphia’s diverse community for visitors and residents to experience Monday, July 11th – Sunday, July 17th, 2011, the week of the Global Fusion Festival. Local ethnic restaurants, night clubs, bars and take-out eateries feature a week-long promotion of “fusion-inspired” specials, discounts and programming. From fusion-themed restaurant specials presented by some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants, thirst-quenching give-aways provided by local beverage companies, to live fusion-inspired performances at the Shops at Liberty Place, Love Park, and The Gallery, Philadelphia’s Global Fusion Week fuses diversity with its hospitality industry to offer residents and guests more reasons to stay and enjoy Philadelphia.
WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?
By offering activities to engage every age, the festival challenges attendees to embrace the immense variety of musical talent, art, and cuisine that exists in Philadelphia. Children are entertained by a variety of family-friendly activities in the Children’s Pavilion at the Global Fusion Festival. From balloons and laughter filling the air, crayons and coloring books layering the tables, folklorist sharing thought-provoking cultural heritage fables that seize the imaginations of listeners—to instructional hip-hop and salsa dancing lessons, face painting resembling historic cultural figures, interaction with the Philadelphia Zoo’s on Wheels and touching historical slavery artifacts showcased by a traveling museum, GFF is a free event that offers unique activities for the young and young at heart.
