ABSTRACT
Multicultural festivals can play a significant role in the development of successful multiculturalism by acting as cultural celebrations, allowing for forms of cultural identity and expression, and offering opportunities for social interactions. Although their intention may be to celebrate cultural diversity, multicultural festivals have also been accused of highlighting diversity. In addition, questions are often raised about the authenticity of the various cultural performances included in such events. Finally, Indigenous peoples add an additional layer of cultural diversity which is all too often excluded or marginalised at multicultural events. This chapter takes a case study of Experience! The Casey Multicultural Festival, held in Victoria, Australia, to examine issues of diversity and difference in a community and to investigate a top-down approach by local government to create a new event to fulfil a specific policy objective of improving tolerance, diversity and inclusivity. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how a focus on education, capacity building and outreach can improve the outcomes of this festival.
