Joy: a Celebration of Cultures and Community

Every story matters. Every culture deserves to be celebrated in its full richness. Yesterday, the UTS community came together for the Asian Heritage Month Assembly. A moving and vibrant celebration of the diverse Asian cultures and voices that enrich our community, the assembly was also about starting conversations that matter.

In the words of one of the student emcees: “Representation isn't about putting a couple of cultures on a poster and calling it a day; it’s about making sure every person feels seen, valued and respected at UTS.”

Centered around the theme of joy, the event showcased the incredible talents of our students while creating space for critical reflection on representation, inclusion and cultural identity. 

We were treated to a rich mix of artistic expression, including the Senior Orchestra's stirring rendition of Ode to the Yellow River, an upbeat and captivating performance of Feel Special by the K-Pop Club and an energetic showcase by the SHOW Indian dancers that celebrated the dynamism of Bollywood dance. Each act reminded us of the shared joy that music and movement bring across cultures.

To close the assembly, a student performed O Canada on the guzheng, a beautiful fusion of tradition and national pride that left the audience deeply moved.

The celebration and conversation continues with more events this month. 

May is also Jewish Heritage Month, and our annual tradition of Buns and Buddies returns on Friday. A collaboration between Advancing Equity for Asians and our Jewish Culture Club, the event celebrates Asian Heritage Month and Jewish Heritage Month together with music and food like samosas, bagels and momos.

We’ll also have screenings of the Assel Akhmetova film Faceless and a conversation with the director and Reel Asian Film Festival’s Education Manager and Programmer Samir Ballou, and an excerpt from the delightful and moving Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, as well as a discussion about the model minority myth.

These celebrations and conversations bring us closer together as a community as we uplift every voice and celebrate the diverse cultural legacies that shape who we are.