Ilays, Somali Multicultural Artists

Ilays (which means “light”) is a group of Somali Multicultural Artists. For Arts Midwest World Fest, Illays shared its Somali culture in an energetic and vibrant mix of music, poetry, dance, and stories drawing from traditional as well as more contemporary Somali Culture. The ensemble includes writers, dancers, actors, singers, and instrumental musicians. Through performance and workshops, Ilays built cultural and artistic bridges between communities throughout the Midwest to foster greater social awareness, understanding, and a culture of peace. Ilays, Somali Multi-cultural Artists, grew out of the Minneapolis-based Multicultural Arts and Education Center, an organization devoted to the humanities, arts, education, and the conservation of cultural heritage.

*Ilays participated in Arts Midwest World Fest in 2006 only.