For Immediate Release Contact: Greg Borzo (312) 665-7106 gborzo@fieldmuseum.org Building Cultural Alliances in Chicago Innovative Partnership investigates cultural diversity Chicago – There may never have been a time in American history when understanding other cultures was more important than it is today. The Field Museum is launching the sixth season of its Cultural Connections program at a critical time for our city and country – a time when Chicagoans of all backgrounds, religions and neighborhoods need to learn more about their differences and similarities. Dedicated to promoting solutions to problems associated with the diversity of urban populations, Cultural Connections is a partnership between The Field Museum and 18 Chicago area ethnic museums and cultural centers. This fall’s four public programs, hosted by local museums and centers between Sept. 26 and Dec. 1, will explore the theme “Transmitting Culture – From Generation to Generation.” Led by anthropologists, museum curators, scholars and resident experts, the programs will foster understanding and help Chicagoans build alliances that address common urban concerns. Differences among people have been the source of some of our nation’s most wrenching conflicts – as well as the source of many of our nation’s greatest strengths. Cultural Connections encourages Chicagoans to celebrate these differences through discussion, music, museum collections and ethnic food. Participants will not only have the chance to learn about other cultures but also to share their own. “The events will explore what makes each culture different and what connects all cultures together,” says Alaka Wali, PhD, director of the Center for Cultural Understanding and Change at The Field Museum. “This is a unique opportunity to experience other cultures up close and personal through presentations, artifacts, and participant-observation – as well as delicious ethnic food.” The first program Sept. 26 and 27 at the American Indian Center will explore what role musical instruments play in creating cultural identity and how we transmit that sense of identity through the instruments and their music from generation to generation. The music of Slovakia and the Czech Republic will be explored through a variety of instruments, including the classical klavir (piano), festive harmonica (accordion) and fujara (shepherd’s flute). American Indian music will be explored through the drum and its role in the four circles of powwows. Czech and American Indian food will be served. The other Chicago-area museums participating in Cultural Connections this fall include: Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture; DuSable Museum of African American History; Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago; The HistoryMakers; Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum; and Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. For complete Cultural Connections programming information, go to The Field Museum's Calendar of Events. Cultural Connections is partially supported by the City of Chicago, Robert Morris College and the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation. Cultural Connections other partners include the Chicago Historical Society; Chicago Japanese American Historical Society; Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center; The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture & Art; Korean American Resource and Cultural Center; The Polish Museum of America; Southeast Historical Society; Spertus Museum; Swedish American Museum; and Ukrainian National Museum.