In a world that can often feel fragmented, the Melbourne suburb of Spotswood recently transformed into a vibrant hub of unity and cross-cultural exchange during the Victorian Multicultural Festival (VMF). Held at Grazeland, the event highlighted how music, food, and dance can build bridges across diverse communities.
Organized by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) during Cultural Diversity Week, the festival is one of Australia’s premier multicultural celebrations, spotlighting rich traditions spanning First Nations, African, Greek, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and Korean heritage.
Key Highlights & Performances
- Hung Hing Lion Dance Association: Led by 24-year-old Matthew Nguyen, the troupe showcased high-energy southern-style lion dancing—a traditional Chinese art form symbolising luck and prosperity. Nguyen, who has been dancing since age 14, noted that sharing these traditions at festivals helps foster inclusivity and cultural pride.
- NB Dance: Founded by Natasha Baweja, this Bollywood troupe fuses classic Indian dance styles with contemporary hip-hop. In addition to dynamic stage routines, the team led interactive workshops, teaching the audience choreographies that demand up to 15 hours of rehearsal for every five minutes on stage.
- 155cm: Representing the growing popularity of Korean pop culture in Australia, this five-member K-Pop dance crew—originally formed in 2017—delivered synchronized choreography that had the crowd dancing and singing along.
- Mariachi Bronco Trio & Anagennisi: The festival grounds echoed with the soaring brass and string harmonies of traditional Mexican Mariachi music as well as contemporary Greek fusion sounds.
Celebrating Heritage and Connection
Curator Nardia Brancatisano and VMC Director Kashif Bouns emphasized that the festival is about more than just a single week of celebrations; it reflects Australia’s ongoing journey toward embracing multiculturalism. By creating spaces where artists connect directly with audiences, the festival honors past traditions while inspiring future generations of creators. As community leader Fred Alale put it, “Nothing transcends cultural barriers like music.”
