Construction is underway.  Stay tuned to this post for periodic photo updates.  An overview of the project:  we're adding classrooms, new prep areas, offices, and storage.  Upgrades to existing HVAC, A/V, and other systems will also be performed.  

Click "Read More" for construction update photos!

Currently on display in the Celebration Gallery is Eye Hand Mind: Selections from the Africa Meets Africa Project.  The Utah Cultural Celebration Center is presenting the exhibition in partnership with the University of Utah’s International & Area Studies Program, Center for Science and Math Education, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.   As a result of the project, the museum added thirteen new objects to their permanent collection.  These beer pot covers, arm/leg bands, bandoliers, aprons, belts, and acrylic works are the primary focus of the exhibition, which is part of a larger effort to teach math and science through art from South Africa.

For twelve years the centerpiece of the Dia de los Muertos was a traditional altar constructed by partner organization Una Mano Amiga. The altar, built entirely by UMA Director Rocio Mejia, her family, and close friends, was a dramatic spectacle honoring and paying tribute to the dead. The post-colonial style altar may be familiar to many, as it has been part of Mexican and other Central and South American countries Dia de los Muertos holiday for over 500 years. The three-tiered altar was a complete offering, with photos of deceased loved ones; arches & crosses; glasses of water and other beverages; food; salt; candles; mirrors; marigold flowers; colorful cut paper and other adornments. Like altars of its type, the heartfelt and beautiful display combined indigenous and Catholic iconography, all displayed to honor and pay respect to the dead.

​From September 29 – October 1, the Utah Cultural Celebration Center hosts the Utah Division of State History’s annual conference.  This year’s theme is “Rural Utah, Western Issues”, which conference organizers expect will highlight new, revised, or heretofore unknown histories of rural and western life for a twenty-first century public.  Conference registration information can be found here.
 
Accompanying the 2016 Annual State History Conference is an exhibition of historic maps, owned by Salt Lake City businessman Stephen Boulay.  Stephen’s fascination with maps and the stories they tell began three decades ago, and he has been collecting maps ever since.  Stephen has accumulated one of the finest collections of maps dealing with the history of Utah.  Some of Stephen’s most prized cartographical renditions show the territory from its sixteenth century imaginings, all the way to statehood in 1986.  

We love to spend time with fun and talented folks in our community! There’s so much to learn and share with one another, especially when we work together for a good cause!  
Summer’s here and we have a heap of fun ahead coordinating all sorts of activities for the UCCC’s Summer Series. That includes everything from our WorldStage! Concerts, to the Wild West Round-up, to the Wasatch International Food Festival, Face of Utah Sculpture Exhibit, and the ARTrageous Program. Getting involved is fun and rewarding! You can even put your volunteer experience on your resume.

Things are starting to heat up with the final preparations for the Wasatch International Food Festival.  Bring your friends and join us this August 19th and 20th for all the best in local world cuisine. Sit back and relax to great local music and arts, or bring the kids for some bounce house fun and community activities. Food demos, local and domestic brews, a community art mural, and VIP tent will make this one festival you don’t want to miss.

The Utah Cultural Celebration Center Foundation is still accepting food and market vendors to join our other local restaurants, food trucks, and community groups serving up delicious and diverse plates. More information and vendor applications can be found here. Applications will be accepted through July 1st. Please contact Sarah Senft at (801) 965-5110 for vendor opportunities.

If you or your friends and colleagues are looking for a volunteer opportunity we could use your help selling tickets, leading kid’s activities, and helping keep the festival grounds clean. All our wonderful volunteers will receive free admission and a meal. For more details on volunteering and contact information please visit the volunteer tab on our website here.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Friday and Saturday, August 19th, 5 pm- 10 pm and August 20th, Noon to 10 pm at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center Fairgrounds – 1355 West 3100 South. One or two day tickets and VIP packages can be purchased at Smithstix starting at $5. For group discounts and sponsorship opportunities please contact Julie DeLong at (801) 965-5124.  Check us out online at www.foodfestutah.org.

​With humble beginnings, the WorldStage! Concerts at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center have grown into a premier showcasing of local community talent features all genres of music.  2016 is no different, featuring some old fan favorites and a few newcomers to our stage.
 
And what a stage it is.  The outdoor amphitheater is the ideal location for an evening out with family and friends.  The Wasatch mountain range sits right in your lap, and the theatre itself is intimate and friendly, providing excellent viewing options from both seats and grassy slope.
 
Concerts start a bit earlier this year, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and shows starting promptly at 7 p.m.  Come early and grab a bite to eat, and take some photos of Chinese Heritage Gate, or any of the other cultural amenities on site.