Cultural Bridges: Celebrating Four Decades of Pako Festa is a community focused exhibition, dedicated to the achievements of the festival.
Geelong’s rich tapestry of multiculturalism takes center stage at the National Wool Museum as it unveils its latest exhibition, honouring over forty years of Victoria’s iconic multicultural festival, Pako Festa.
Titled “Cultural Bridges: Celebrating Four Decades of Pako Festa,” this community-focused showcase delves into the festival’s vibrant history, highlighting its profound impact on the region.
Cultural Bridges: Celebrating Four Decades of Pako Festa
- Date: Open daily until 14th July 2024
- Venue: National Wool Museum, Wadawurrung Country, 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong
- Admission: $12 for Adults, $9 for Concession, $7 for Children, $35 for Family (including 2 adults and up to 4 children).
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Since its inception, Pako Festa has served as a beacon of cultural diversity, drawing thousands of attendees and fostering connections across communities through food, performances, and festivities. Developed in collaboration with Cultura, the exhibition encapsulates the essence of Pako Festa, showcasing a myriad of objects, stories, and memories from Geelong’s multicultural tapestry.
Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a journey through time, exploring traditional attire, meticulously crafted heritage pieces, and archival material interspersed with personal anecdotes and reflections. The exhibition not only celebrates the festival’s achievements but also reflects on its evolution, remaining relevant to both its founding members and newer audiences alike.
“The cultural bridges built by Pako Festa are part of why Geelong is one of Australia’s fastest growing regional cities, attracting people with shared values to this vibrant and dynamic community,” says Josephine Rout, Senior Curator National Wool Museum.
“Cultural Bridges: Celebrating Four Decades of Pako Festa is a tribute to the people who have made Pako Festa the success it is today – one of Australia’s largest multicultural festivals that has been held here in Geelong, on Wadawurrung Country, for over four decades.”
The enduring legacy of Pako Festa has played a pivotal role in shaping Geelong into one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional cities, attracting individuals drawn to its vibrant and inclusive community. The exhibition coincides with the launch of the “40 Years Young – Online History Project,” an interactive timeline chronicling Pako Festa’s evolution through images, stories, and media articles.
Scheduled alongside the exhibition is Pako Festa 2024, set to take place on Saturday, 24th February, offering attendees the chance to be part of Australia’s largest free celebration of cultural diversity.
“Cultural Bridges: Celebrating Four Decades of Pako Festa” will be on display at the National Wool Museum until 14th July 2024. Visitors can delve into the festival’s rich history and explore the diverse cultural fabric of Geelong.
