Photos by LuAnne DeMeo
The SCAD Hub transformed into a multicultural dining room during the inaugural SCAD Atlanta International Day on April 3, hosted by the Intercultural Club (UNI). Flags from around the world hung overhead as a small group of UNI members invited students to play games, purchase accessories and ask cultural questions. Students trickled in and out of the dining area during the event, which lasted from 5-10 p.m. In collaboration with Bon Appetit and SCAD-Atlanta Radio, UNI offered students a glimpse of international tastes, sights and sounds.
M.F.A. writing graduate student Kathryn Deshields took advantage of the international menu created by Bon Appetit. “I absolutely loved the variety of the menu and how it reflected the many different cultures of the world,” she said.
The menu included foods from Taiwan, Thailand, Nigeria, Vietnam, Malaysia, Ghana, Japan, India and the United States.
Music from around the world circulated through the Hub, courtesy of SCAD-Atlanta radio. The station kept a steady stream of tunes playing from each continent. The music enhanced the international ambiance that was already created by the dangling flags. As the rhythms switched from soca to Latin, students carried on as usual. M.A. arts administration student Melanie Gordon said, “I loved the vibe in the Hub. The feel of the Latin music kept me moving in my seat – I wanted to get up and dance!”
At 6:30 p.m., three tables representing the United States, South East Asia and India stood in the Hub. Depending on the table, students could walk away with a rubber ducky, a painted wooden paper fan or a set of colorful bangles. Each table resembled a market booth, with these and additional items for sale. UNI often raises money for intercultural campus events.
The festival was a small celebration inspired by the large international event that takes place annually at SCAD’s Savannah campus, which celebrated its 16th International Festival this year. The International Student Service Office drives international students from the Atlanta campus to the event in Savannah, each year. Senior illustration major, Aimee Laura has been with UNI for four years and said, “We (UNI) just wanted to start something like that here (in Atlanta).” The group began planning the event in the fall. The students hope that it will become a larger annual event.
UNI promotes several events throughout the quarter. To join UNI or learn more about their campus events follow them on Facebook.
