Global Gatherings returns to Tulsa’s Gathering Place for a third summer

The cultural program 'Global Gatherings' is making its return this week to the ONEOK Boathouse. Gathering Place invites people to share their cultural traditions with the Tulsa community.

This summer, two world regions will be celebrated each week for six weeks. Director of Education Kara Hader said, "Gathering Place really prides ourselves on being a safe space for different cultures to showcase not only themselves but also feel like they can come and see their culture represented here."

Travel the World

Global Gatherings help visitors travel the world, one week at a time, without leaving Tulsa. The celebrations highlight the various regions and cultures of the world that are represented in Tulsa. "This year we are really focused on education," said Hader. "We want to bring folks in and have them leave going, I did not know that."

Visitors will experience music, dance, storytelling, art, and hands-on activities from each one. The free events give Tulsans a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the cultures that shape their city.

Celebration of Cultures

The weekly celebrations are on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. inside ONEOK Boathouse at Gathering Place. Here is the Global Gatherings schedule for this summer:

1. June 14 - South Asia and West Asia
2. June 21 - Africa and Australia, and the Pacific Islands
3. June 28 - North America and Europe
4. July 12 - Native America and Caribbean
5. July 19 - East Asia and Southeast Asia
6. July 26 - Central America and South America

One of the groups representing South Asia during week one is Kripalaya Dance Academy. Dancers Ananya Sundaram and Samatha Patnaik have been training there for over a decade. "We do a style called bharatanatyam," said Ananya. "It is one of the oldest dance forms, not only in India, but in the world."

The academy performs all over Tulsa, but Global Gatherings is one of Ananya and Samatha's favorite events to do. "To be with the audience and talk to people at the Gathering Place is the best part because we get to make a connection with the people that we are performing for," said Ananya.

By being there, Samatha said she also learns from others. "I see so many other cultures that I did not know about before," she continued saying, "It makes me think about how so many other people did not know about ours and how we are able to share it with them."

Other Activities Planned

Gathering Place has other activities planned throughout the summer to highlight the city's rich cultures. Woven Identities: Global Threads, Local Stories is an educational exhibit showcasing traditional textiles and clothing from around the world.

On Saturday July 19 and Saturday, August 16 Vista at the Boathouse is hosting international dining experiences. The first theme will be Flavors of Asia and the second is Dine Around the World. Make a reservation here.

Throughout the weeks, there will also be cultural lectures, special story times, fitness classes, live music, and more. The summer will wrap up with the Global Gatherings World Festival on Saturday, August 9, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit their website.