Pop-up event celebrates harmony

Published on 19 March 2021

Performances ranging from Bollywood to hip hop were part of a pop-up event in Hobart’s CBD today.

Taking place concurrently in Elizabeth Mall and Wellington Court, the one-hour event celebrated Harmony Week and this year’s theme Everyone Belongs.

“Harmony Week is about celebrating our diverse cultures and what they jointly contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“As a member of the Welcoming Cities Network, Hobart has made a commitment to be a place that is safe, inclusive and welcoming to people from across the globe.”

The City of Hobart became a signatory to the Welcoming Cities network in 2019, confirming its position that migrants, refugees and international students should feel that they are valued and welcomed in the city.

Jointly presented by the City of Hobart and the University of Tasmania (UTAS), the event started in Elizabeth Mall with a Welcome to Country at 12.30pm.

Performances across the two locations include Rhythmz Bollywood, Rwandan hip hop artist TKay, Malawian musician and dancer Mwase Makalani, Taiko drummers and salsa dancers from UTAS, and a lion dance by the Tasmanian Chinese Buddhist Academy.

“This event provides a small insight into some of the many cultures that make up Hobart,” Cr Reynolds said.

“About a quarter of our city’s residents were born overseas and it’s wonderful that we have people in our community who are willing to share their culture with us.”

Harmony Week is celebrated across Australia and culminates with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March.