Dillard University will launch a new event to celebrate global cultures on Saturday, April 6, 2013. The International Arts & Music Festival will be held on the Gentilly side of the campus, in front of Rosenwald Hall and Stern Hall. Initiated by Dr. Kimya Dawson-Smith and the Office of International Students & Study Abroad Program, the day long event will feature entertainment, art and cuisine from a host of different countries around the world, to provide the community with a globally enhanced view of the world in which we live.

"The students were definitely ready for this," says Dr. Kimya Dawson-Smith. 

To aid in the effort to bring the world to the students, the Gentilly community and the city of New Orleans, the event will be infused with local community organizations that engage in and celebrate international communities and cultures. Featured performers include Casa Samba, Rock N Dopsie, Vivaz and Zulu Connection. Dillard Greeks will take part in a  Stroll-Off. 

The festival will be held the same day as the CDC's 7th Annual Health & Sports Festival, also taking place on the Dillard campus. Furthermore, the Dillard Department of Humanities is presenting "Dream Girls" beginning on April 6, 2013 in Cook Theater.

The International Arts & Music Festival is free and open to the public and begins at 11 a.m. For more information about the event, call (504) 293-2614.