Downtown Program Fund
2022 Downtown Program Fund Recipients
Congratulations to the six outstanding recipients of this year’s Downtown Program Fund! We are looking forward to enjoying their arts and culture experiences in outdoor spaces in Eugene’s downtown core this April through October.
Asian Night Market
Friday, May 20 • 5-10 p.m.
Presented by Oregon Asian Celebration and City of Eugene Cultural Services
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, the Asian Night Market is a one-day event to celebrate the rich cultural diversity and influence of night markets as they occur throughout Asia. Join us as we experience the Asian Celebration and its many components in this fresh and innovative take on a heritage event with food, dance, art and music in an open-air nighttime setting. We will bring the essence of the Asian Celebration to downtown with the hope of recreating and generating new experiences for the greater Eugene community. Event details
Unmasking Our Raíces: Folklorico Dancing
Saturday, June 4 • 2-3 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 • 2-3 p.m.
Presented by Raíces de Oregon and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Join Raíces de Oregón in raising cultural awareness by unmasking the folk dancing traditions of Mexico at this free performance. Folklorico dancing will be brought to light in Downtown Eugene with its distinct synchronized dance steps, choreography, music and dance attire. States of Mexico represented during the showcase include Veracruz, Chiapas and Guerrero with performers ranging from 5-13 years of age.
The Music & Rhythms of Zimbabwe
Sunday, May 15 • 2-3 p.m.
Sunday, June 19 • 5-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 7 • 6-8 p.m.
Presented by Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Since 1990, the nonprofit Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center has been dedicated to studying, teaching and sharing the music of Zimbabwe in the city of Eugene. Enjoy this free event as musical groups Chapwititi and Jenaguru, with high-energy and style, present traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean marimba music. Chapwititi, which translates to “the spark before the fire” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, represents the middle generation of players and students becoming professional-level musicians. Jenaguru, a band of musical artists founded over 20 years ago, rapturously sings and evokes the music from the marimbas with respect for the Zimbabwean culture and their teachers.
"The Streets" Multicultural Festival
Sunday, August 21 • 12-8 p.m.
Presented by Bailamos Latin Dance Network and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Bailamos Latin Dance Network brings together cultures from around the globe with The Streets, a multicultural festival where traditions are celebrated and people feel welcome. This daylong event features artistic performances by members of Eugene’s BIPOC community in the form of dance, spoken word/storytelling, live music, DJs, contemporary artists, artistic demonstrations, craft demos, traditional cuisine and more. For artists and vendors who have been denied an opportunity to present their work due to accessibility or other barriers, this festival is a chance to showcase their unique cultural backgrounds and skills. Join us to create an atmosphere that inspires community members to connect and dive into conversations and creations with people they might not otherwise have a chance to meet.