Welcoming Week kicks off this week, special performances planned

Kelsey Merison
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Art Sprouts, Inc., in partnership with the City of Bend, is gearing up for ‘Threads of Belonging: Brothers Ivan’ happening Sunday, September 14th.
It’s the first of three Welcoming Week events designed to celebrate culture, community, and belonging through art and story, which begins Friday.
Welcoming Week is a global movement that brings neighbors together across lines of difference to build community and affirm the belief that we all belong.
The Threads of Belonging event is free and will feature the Ukrainian folk duo, Brothers Ivan, whose music blends soulful harmonies, ancestral rhythms, and contemporary resonance.
Art Sprouts Inc. said the afternoon will open with a land acknowledgment and a traditional Ukrainian bread and salt ceremony, which is a gesture of gratitude and hospitality shared across generations.
Guests will also be invited to enjoy comforting Ukrainian food.
Everyone is welcome to attend.