Related read : ICDO’s Art Exhibit themed : Climate Change and Sustainability
The International Cultural Diversity Organization (ICDO), based in Vienna, promotes cultural diversity, inclusion, and social harmony through a variety of initiatives. It is particularly known for its events such as “The Long Nights of Interculturality,” which has been held annually since 2018 under the patronage of UNESCO. These events feature artists, musicians, diplomats, and experts from around the world, and are designed to celebrate cultural heritage and foster intercultural dialogue.
ICDO also organizes workshops, exhibitions, and symposiums like the “Music, Diversity, and Diplomacy Symposium,” which aim to use art and culture as tools for global understanding. The organization integrates themes from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into its projects, which include artistic exhibitions, cultural exchange programs, and public discussions on topics like women’s leadership and diversity in society.
Its events often take place in notable venues such as the Vienna City Hall for Costumes of the World and feature international participants from over 30 countries. These efforts are a part of ICDO’s broader mission to strengthen connections between diverse cultures and support social cohesion through cultural expression.
This year’s program is as follows:
September 23, 2024 : Panel Discssion: “Voices for the Future: Gender Nexus and Inclusion in Climate Action at COP 29”
Art Exhibition: “Cultural Diversity & Inclusion”
: ICDO’s Costumes of the World Show – Rathaus Festsaal
Art Exhibit
(ICDO) hosted a special art exhibition themed “Cultural Diversity & Inclusion” which opened on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 18:00. The exhibition like the previous years was held at the Yunus Emre Institute, located at Währinger Strasse 6. We’ve been attending the exhibit as spectators back then, but this year, we were glad to have actively participated. Reason that I couldn’t go around a lot to interview as many artists as I did the past years.
The event showcased diverse artworks from international artists, with a focus on promoting cross-cultural understanding, inclusion, and the celebration of global cultural diversity. The exhibition aligned with ICDO’s mission to foster intercultural dialogue through artistic expression. It included paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations that explore the richness of cultural differences and the importance of embracing diversity for a more inclusive society.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with artists, diplomats, and cultural experts, as well as participate in discussions on the role of art in breaking down social barriers and fostering unity. The event served as a platform for celebrating global cultures and fostering mutual respect among different communities.
This exhibition is part of ICDO’s broader efforts to integrate culture with diplomacy, building bridges between communities while contributing to a peaceful and inclusive society.
Related read : ICDO 2022 Exhibit : Peace and Cultural Diversity
Some of the Exhibiting Artists
Solomon Okpurukhre
Solomon Okpurukhre’s abstract art on the theme of “Cultural Diversity & Inclusion” is characterized by bold, dynamic shapes and vivid colors that symbolize the richness of different cultures. His use of overlapping forms and interwoven patterns represents the interconnectedness of diverse communities. The fluidity in his abstract compositions suggests blending of identities, while contrasting colors highlight individuality within unity. His art often uses textured layers to signify the complexity of cultural histories and experiences, creating a visual language that celebrates inclusivity and the beauty of diversity in a cohesive whole.
Sean Armani
Sean Armani’s contemporary pieces delve deeply into the modern expressions of identity, focusing on the complexity and richness of selfhood in an increasingly globalized world. His work features dynamic lines and bold contrasts in color, which serve to represent different cultural influences. These sharp lines intersect and overlap, symbolizing the fluid boundaries between identities and the harmonious blending of diverse backgrounds. In many of his pieces, Armani incorporates foreign words and scripts—sometimes recognizable, sometimes abstract—which are used not for their literal meaning but for the emotions they evoke. The use of language as an abstract visual element conveys themes of confidence, self-approval, and the assertion of one’s voice in a multicultural context.
Growing up biracial, Armani has a personal connection to themes of cultural diversity, which he translates into his art. His experiences of navigating two or more cultural identities inform much of his work, allowing him to explore how individuals can find balance and strength in their differences. His art often celebrates the beauty of individuality, portraying personal identity not as something singular or fixed, but as a dynamic construct shaped by multiple influences. Through his pieces, Armani communicates a sense of pride and self-acceptance, affirming that personal identity can flourish within the framework of a larger, inclusive society.
Armani’s art is not just about personal expression but also about fostering a broader conversation around inclusivity. By blending elements from different cultures, using contrasting colors to symbolize diversity, and incorporating multiple languages and forms, his work invites viewers to consider the interconnectedness of human experience. His message is clear: individuality and cultural diversity are not only to be acknowledged but embraced as essential components of a more unified and inclusive world.
Filip Suryana
Filip Suryana is a Balinese-Austrian artist celebrated for his efforts to combine art with environmental and cultural values. He grew up in Bali, where he was influenced by the Balinese principle of Tri Hita Karana, focusing on harmony between people, nature, and spirituality. Suryana began his journey as an artist at age five, mentored by his father, the noted Indonesian painter Yan Suryana.
Suryana’s art stood out for its exploration of multicultural identity, drawing from his unique Balinese and Austrian heritage to convey messages of resilience, harmony, and unity within diverse cultural landscapes. His works are known not only for their vibrant artistry but also for embedding messages about environmental responsibility, promoting awareness of sustainable practices, and showing reverence for natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Norlie Meimban
Norlie Meimban, ICDO’s ambassador and art consultant, known for his signature style of dynamic brushwork and layered textures, has contributed two portraits of women that honor their cultural heritage and individual strength. Belle Femme and For Your Eyes uses his unique technique, a method combining layered lines and expressive strokes, brings each subject to life with depth and movement, suggesting not only their unique identities but also the collective strength found in diversity.
Through this approach, Meimban explores cultural resilience and celebrates the unique beauty of his subjects while promoting themes of inclusion and representation.
Harold Khan
Harold Khan, a Filipino-Singaporean artist known for his vibrant portraits and cultural symbolism, contributed two meaningful works; Biyaya ni Amansinaya, draws from Filipino folklore and mythological traditions. This piece portrays Amansinaya, the goddess of water, in a powerful underwater scene surrounded by brightly colored fish, symbolizing nature’s grace and femininity as an embodiment of divine beauty and strength.
Khan also addresses themes of diaspora and global diversity in another artwork that depict a range of faces, each representing varied ethnicities and life stories. These portraits include people from diverse backgrounds, painted with strong facial expressions and unique cultural traits. Through this approach, Khan brings attention to the shared experience of cultural identity and migration, showing how people from all walks of life contribute to a larger mosaic of humanity. His work echoes a global sense of belonging, capturing the unity in diversity central to the ICDO’s themes.
Costumes of the World
The International Cultural Diversity Organization’s (ICDO) “Costumes of the World” initiative is a vivid celebration of traditional attire, bringing together more than 190 handcrafted costumes from over 35 countries. This annual event takes place in Vienna’s historic Rathaus Festsaal, a venue that perfectly blends the grandeur of Austrian architecture with the colorful pageantry of global heritage. For ICDO, the initiative not only showcases the artistry and cultural depth of traditional dress but also emphasizes the importance of preserving these cultural identities within an inclusive, multicultural framework.
At this year’s event, held on September 27, attendees experienced a full sensory journey into global diversity. CEO and Founder of ICDO Josipa Palac opened the event with a compelling speech emphasizing the value of cultural understanding and exchange. She reminded the audience that “traditional clothes are more than just fabric; they represent a nation’s history, ideals, and pride.”
Vice Mayor of Vienna Christoph Wiederkehr agreed with Palac, further pointing out how Vienna embraces diversity and the event itself is a testament to this.
From intricate fabric work and beaded embellishments to traditional dances and a “taste of the world” culinary feature, each cultural representation was carefully crafted to highlight the historical and social significance of traditional attire. Through exhibitions, interactive booths, and social media campaigns, ICDO’s “Costumes of the World” fosters dialogue about global cultural diversity and showcases the community’s shared heritage, emphasizing that each costume represents the values and pride of its people.
.jpg "Reflections : Exploring the Canvas of Cultural Diversity Exhibit Opens")
What a beautiful display of costumes! And the artworks are stunning, hope I can see them personally!
Yes, the event is held every September, so please watch out for their announcements – icdo.at ^_^
Love all the pieces of art shown! And the message that goes with these is timely…
Indeed, diversity and inclusion may seem contradictory but it’s a powerful message together – brings peace.
I love the work that this organization do, hope to see more of their advocacies.
Please visit their website – icdo.at to know more, and also support them! Thank you!