Friday marks the first of 21 different multicultural performances at ArtSpace Falls Church this winter. The two-month Passport to the World festival of music, dance and theater troupes representing regions around the globe runs through Sunday, March 4. The festival is the brainchild of Creative Cauldron, the non-profit arts organization that manages and operates ArtSpace.

“It’s a visual and auditory feast for the senses, and one that will give audiences an opportunity to participate in a fascinating world community that is right within our grasp,” said Creative Cauldron founder and producing director Laura Hull.

Hull described Passport to the World as a pocket-friendly opportunity to travel the world without ever leaving Falls Church. Festival event themes include North and West Africa, Bulgaria and the Balkans, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, Latin America and the Andes, Italy, the Pacific Islands, Russia and the Ukraine and Celtic tradition.

“I was delighted when a friend of mine, Isabelle Babington, who often displays her paintings at ArtSpace Falls Church, invited me to attend a musical event,” said Kamel Zennia, whose band will kick off the festival on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. “This is an opportunity for me to show some of my culture to the diverse audience of the Creative Cauldron.”

Kamel Zennia and his band are one of two North and West Africa-themed events.  The second event, scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m., features Vera Oye’ Yaa-Anna as a West African culinary storyteller.

“I met Laura Hull when I performed at the local library [a couple of years ago],” Oye’ Yaa-Anna said. “She enjoyed my performance and thought we could come together again and perform in a production. I am always gratified when [I have] the opportunity to share Africa’s treasures with a new audience.  Passport to the World is just the vehicle. Culinary storytelling is a lot of fun [because it] marries food and art!”

The festival also includes workshops and demonstrations. Tzvety Weiner of Lyuti Chushki Bulgarian Folk Music and Dance said an intriguing aspect of Passport to the World is Creative Cauldron’s intention to represent cultures in various ways, including music, dance, theater, storytelling, crafts and history.

“It is important to note this because usually festivals or public shows, for various reasons, can present a culture from one angle and that hardly ever paints a complete picture,” Weiner said.

Lyuti Chushki Bulgarian Folk Music and Dance will perform on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Bulgaria and the Balkans events. The Bulgarian folk performer said to be among the chosen ones for the festival felt like a real compliment.

“It was impressive to know that very much in the heart of our urban area, there is a place called the Creative Cauldron, where arts are fostered and diversity is truly celebrated,” he said. “It is a pleasure and honor to be associated with such an organization in this place and at this time.”

Most of the Passport to the World performers seem thrilled to have the opportunity to share their cultural heritage with the local community. “We are really excited about being a part of a wonderful moment at the festival,” said Ji Young Yun of the Korean Heritage Foundation Ensemble.

The KHF ensemble will feature traditional Korean dance and instruments during their performance on Friday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. “We hope we can convey our Korean culture and share warm emotion through traditional Korean music and dance performance to everyone,” Yun said.

In preparation for this cross-cultural journey, check out the Creative Cauldron website for a full list of event times and details.

Passport to the World is sponsored by the Economic Development Authority of the City of Falls Church. Tickets for the festival events range from $10 to $20.