REACH Fest: A Celebration of Cultural Diplomacy

REACH Fest is a festival dedicated to diplomacy, featuring a carefully curated selection of artists, speakers, and performers who exemplify the pinnacle of cultural ambassadorship.

 This Year’s Focus

REACH Fest Indigenous Youth Showcase will center around **Cultural Art Diplomacy** through the lens of storytelling. By listening, learning, and honoring one another’s traditions, we create pathways for shared understanding among diverse cultures and nations.

In this spirit, every youth participant will have the opportunity to engage in one or more mentorship sessions to support their chosen exhibit. Empowering your growth is integral to our mission. We encourage individuals of all creative abilities to participate and look forward to amplifying your voice at this year’s **REACH Indigenous Youth Showcase (RIYS)**.

Commitment to Access

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Our dedication to **Access** includes a category honoring artists of all abilities and creative methods.

This section recognizes and uplifts Indigenous artists who convey culture, tradition, and storytelling through adaptive or accessible means. Participants are welcome to work independently or collaborate with mentors, aides, interpreters, or assistive tools.

 Purpose

The **Creative Access** category ensures that all artists—regardless of sensory, mobility, developmental, or learning differences—have a platform to share their cultural expression, vision, and voice within the REACH Fest Art Diplomacy Exhibition. This category prioritizes inclusion, creativity, and cultural integrity over ability level.

Eligibility

Open to all youth and teen participants (ages 6–17) who:

• Utilize adaptive techniques, support persons, or accessibility tools while creating or presenting their work.

• Desire to present in a comfortable and inclusive environment, with additional time, sensory support, or other accommodations as needed.

• Meet the same Art Diplomacy criteria: a minimum of two cultural elements, a written narrative, and an oral or visual presentation.

Guidelines

Participants may work individually or collaboratively with mentors, guardians, or aides. All submissions must include a written or visual narrative explaining the story or cultural inspiration behind the work. Adaptive tools, assistive technology, or alternative communication methods are encouraged (e.g., voice output devices, signed presentations, interpreters, or written statements read by helpers). Artists may request quieter or smaller presentation spaces if needed.

## Judging Criteria

The judging will focus on:

• Cultural Integrity & Storytelling (50%)**

  • Inclusion of traditional elements, symbols, and meaning

  • Clarity of narrative and purpose

• Creative Expression & Adaptation (50%)**

  • Innovation in materials or methods

  • Presentation of cultural knowledge through accessible or adaptive forms

## Recognition

Participants in this category will receive acknowledgment for **Cultural Innovation & Inclusive Expression**, highlighting their creative approaches and cultural storytelling.

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