Iolani Cultural Exchange- Spain 2024

I have been invited on a trip to Spain to represent not only my school but Hawaii and its culture by performing hula at the Edeta Arts Festival in the spring of 2024. This festival takes place in Valencia, Spain and is run by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), who “[aim] at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, science, and culture.” Our school Orchestra and Hula Hālau are using this opportunity to share and educate Hawaii’s traditional, historical, and contemporary identity with our audience through music and performing arts. During this trip, I am given the chance to explore the vastly distinctive cities of Spain and immerse myself in its captivating culture and history through music, arts, dance, and architecture. As someone who has danced hula for so long, knowing that there is a way to promote international peace and security through something that I am so deeply passionate about and being asked to be a part of that transaction, is an example of how even the smallest group of individuals can be apart of something so big. It’s such an honor and a privilege to be invited to this cultural exchange and it would mean so much if you could help me be a part of it.

(**Thank you for your support! Full payment for the trip is due December 2023**)