BRIDGING CULTURES
Bridging Cultures has curated international concerts, artist residencies, and interactive community workshops that connect Indiana audiences with the arts, music, and cultural traditions of South America and beyond.
Through meaningful artistic and educational experiences, we foster cross-cultural understanding, curiosity, and human connection building bridges of empathy that strengthen our communities in Fort Wayne and throughout Indiana.
International Concert Series & Community Workshops 2024
Bridging Worlds hosted internationally acclaimed Chilean teaching artists Kike Galdames and Claudio González in Indiana through a U.S. P-3 Cultural Exchange Visa, presenting public concerts and educational workshops in Bloomington, North Manchester, and Fort Wayne.
The residency also featured Fort Wayne Philharmonic flutist Vivianne Bélanger.
The artists shared the music and poetry of Gabriela Mistral while introducing audiences to traditional South American instruments and cultural traditions. This statewide initiative was made possible through partnerships with Indiana University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Honeywell Arts & Education, the Chilean Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, and other educational and cultural organizations.
International Concert Series & Community Workshops 2023
Bridging Worlds presented its second international concert, featuring acclaimed Chilean composer and guitarist Daniel Delgado, who traveled from Chile to perform in Fort Wayne. Held in the Main Theatre of the Allen County Public Library, the performance brought together internationally recognized artistry with some of Northeast Indiana's finest musicians, including Vivianne Bélanger, Brian Derek, Tommy Saul, Jose Morales,
Colin Boyd, and Phil Schurger, with interpretive dance by the Fort Wayne Dance Collective.
Free and open to the public, the concert reflected Bridging Worlds' mission to connect local and international artists through meaningful cultural exchange. The program was presented in partnership with the Chilean Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage and the Allen County Public Library.
International Concert Series & Community Workshops 2022
Bridging Worlds welcomed acclaimed Chilean singer-songwriter Marcelo Jara to the Midwest for a concert of original music celebrating the richness of Latin American culture. He was joined by outstanding regional musicians Michael Patterson, Brian Derek, Derek Reeves, Phil Schurger, and Jose Morales.
The concert was made possible through the generous support of individual donors and Arts Midwest, with additional media support from WBOI's Conexión Latina, WANE-TV, Waynedale News, and El Mexicano. The event reflected Bridging Worlds' commitment to fostering cultural exchange through exceptional artistic experiences.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"The opportunity to attend a unique concert of this caliber here in Fort Wayne is enriching to my life on a professional level and on a personal level. It was a fusion a musical collaboration between the Chilean musician and local NE Indiana musicians.
This is a benefit to us all. Thank you”
Steve Buttes
"It is indispensable to our community to participate and to share in a cultural exchange that we would see in major cities. FW should be proud that we are hosting events that bring world class people and artists together right here in our own backyard."
Thomas Saul
"Fantastic job to all who were involved. We look forward to a continued partnership with this amazing organization, Bridging Worlds!"
Allen County Public Library
"These types of performances are so important for all the people who are searching for that sense of possibility or hope. Those little reminders change lives."
Wolfgang Young
"I enjoyed the concert very much. The compositions were of superior quality. The concert exemplified that the universal language of music transcends ethnocultural differences."
Andres Montenegro
"Such experiences lead people to unify heart to heart beyond national boundaries. The experience of people and artists coming to our town enhances the vibrancy of our city."
Shmuel Wahli
"FW Is so lucky to have an organization like Bridging Worlds to bring in such talented musicians and composers from other countries that our community would otherwise not be able to experience live. It is great to see the local talent of artists connect and perform together with artists from other parts of the world!"
Ashley Benninghoff
"Marcelo Jara comes from the land of great poets like Pablo Neruda and Gabriella Mistral. More than a concert -an experience. Captivating, intense, passionate, moving.
Thank you to Bridging Worlds for bringing Marcelo to Fort Wayne."
John Selby
"The music was so fascinating and beautiful, and performed with such excellence, that it didn't matter that -- not knowing Spanish -- I couldn't understand the words with my mind. I felt them in my heart."
Richard Koehneke
"Living in Ft. Wayne and having grown up in South America, I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative that brings forth a rich cultural exchange through diverse music from other parts of the world."
Maria Sutherland
