ABOUT US

The International Institute’s annual Festival of Nations is the most diverse, oldest and longest running multicultural festival in the Midwest. Since 1932, its goal has been to inspire people to discover more about our world and embrace the rich cultural diversity in our community. Nearly 100 ethnic groups will come together for a unique, 4-day experience that celebrates cultural heritage through dancing, performances, exhibits, demonstrations and cuisine. The Festival is a department of the International Institute of Minnesota, whose mission is to “help New Americans achieve self-sufficiency and full membership in American life.”

As the Minnesota cultural landscape expands to include more immigrants, our community benefits culturally and economically. By providing a platform to showcase diversity and a stage for new artists we share and document this most precious heritage. The Festival evolves each year by welcoming new ethnic groups and by offering programming that reflects the cultural fluidity of our community.

Download the 2019 Program

Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota delivers services and resources to assist New Americans in the transition to a new life leading to economic self-sufficiency. Working together, New Americans, volunteers, and staff create not only a new home, but also a new future for those who have been displaced. From language learning and job training to citizenship classes and the celebration of cultural traditions at the Festival of Nations, the Institute offers New Americans a pathway for a strong start to a new life in our community – something we all benefit from.

MISSION
Helping New Americans achieve self-sufficiency and full membership in American life.

The Institute supports this mission by providing linguistically and culturally accessible services that enable every New American to work toward achieving full community participation and self-sufficiency.