The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs is inviting residents to participate in the Community Quest, a passport-style experience designed to highlight the diverse cultures and local businesses that shape Utah. The initiative encourages participants to explore community spaces and learn about the stories and people behind them.
The Community Quest allows individuals to check off specific quests at various participating locations at their own pace. Participants can discover new spots, such as neighborhood markets or cultural landmarks, and learn about different traditions. The program suggests activities ranging from trying new foods like kimbap or conchas to exploring pioneer heritage at the Pioneer Memorial Museum.
To support the initiative, the Magnify Utah project has curated several Yelp collections to help users find multicultural businesses. These collections include specific categories for the Latino and Hispanic community, Native American and American Indian communities, Black and African communities, and various other groups including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, South Asian, North African, European, and Rural communities.
The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs has previously participated in community events to promote the quest. These past engagements included a booth at Spy Hop's first annual Backyard Film Bash at Smith's Ballpark and a presence at Folk and Art in the Park at the Chase Home Museum in Salt Lake City.
The Community Quest is a collaborative effort supported by several organizations, including the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the Utah Historical Society, the Museum of Utah, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, and the Utah State Library Division.
The Festival of Cultures is scheduled for Oct. 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Utah Union Ballroom in Salt Lake City. This event is expected to celebrate various traditions and histories through cultural performances, art, cuisine, and interactive activities.