What is Welcoming Week?

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‍Welcoming Week celebrates the growing movement of inclusive communities that fully embrace immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. We are thrilled that The Refugee Center and Immigrant Services CU joined NAWC in leading Welcoming Week this year! With over 25,000 foreign-born individuals living in Champaign County, we all need different opportunities to engage, build mutual understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming all! This year's community-wide celebration takes place Wednesday, September 9 to Sunday, September 19 and features nearly 30 fun, family-centered events. We also have discounts from 16 immigrant-owned businesses in this year's Immigrant Business Showcase.

Jump to: ★ Welcoming Voices · Sept 9 ★ Kickoff Celebration · Sept 11 Business Showcase →

Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect

Exhibits — On Display Throughout the Week

Tap an exhibit to read more.

Krannert Art Museum — A Week of Exhibits & Programming

500 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign · Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–5pm (Thu until 8pm while classes are in session), Sat 10am–4pm

The museum is always free and open to all. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Fragmented Histories: Andean Art Before 1600, Stitching Ecologies: The Urbana-Champaign Crochet Coral Reef, and Centering Clay: Connection and Innovation in American Studio Ceramics, alongside the museum's permanent collections.

Krannert also has special dated Welcoming Week programming — see September 10, 11, and 19 on the calendar below.

Bienvenidos: The Murals and Work of Jose Vazquez

University YMCA, 1001 S Wright Street, Champaign · On display Sept 9–19 · Viewable 9am–9pm Mon–Thu, 9am–5pm Fri

Celebrating the numerous community murals and work of Jose Vazquez and the spirit of welcome.

An opening celebration takes place September 10 — see the calendar below.

Not Mine, Only Held (इदं न मम — Idam Nh Mamah): Kuhu Shukla

Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 W Nevada St, Urbana · On display Sept 11 – Dec 11, 2026 · Viewable 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday

Emerging around 2500 BCE among the Warli tribe of Maharashtra, India, Warli art is one of humanity's oldest living visual languages. With its spare geometry of circles, triangles, and lines, it speaks of rhythm, community, and the eternal bond between humankind and nature. In my work, I draw upon Warli's timeless symbology, occasionally alongside the flowing forms of the Pacific Northwest — two traditions united by their reverence for the natural world. Through them, I seek to move beyond external scenes of life into the inner workings of the mind — landscapes shaped by memory, myth, emotions and imagination. In this dialogue, I hope to bring an art form as old as time to my new home in the Midwest.

A story that marks the beginning of time and the origin of female power, I draw upon this still relevant telling of a woman who became the first goddess by turning to the fire inside her and forever be remembered as the power of gentle defiance. Maa Sati was the companion of Shiva. When her father repeatedly insulted and disapproved of her choice of partner, Sati immolated herself and with that brought a manic grief to Shiva that eventually led to the creation of the power centers of Hindu Female Spiritual Energy or Shakti. Each Shakti Peeth (center of power) was where a part of Sati fell. To me, the everyday tribulation and ultimate triumph of women is simply but a retelling of the story of beginnings through endings.

Artist Bio

Kuhu Shukla is a self-taught artist whose work draws on Warli art - an ancient tribal tradition from Maharashtra, India - and occasionally on the flowing forms of the Pacific Northwest. In her work, she reimagines Warli's geometry as a language of memory and inner life, creating work that meditates on belonging, change, and metamorphosis. Rooted in the living spirit of nature and traditions, her paintings trace rhythms that connect humanity, landscape, and emotion.

★ Featured Welcoming Week Event

City of Champaign

Welcoming Voices: Rights, Resources & Resilience

Evening · 5:30pm

Cityview Events and Meeting Center, Illinois Terminal, 4th Floor, 45 East University Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820

Rights, Resources & Resilience is a panel discussion presented during Welcoming Week that explores topics related to immigrant safety, community resources, and resilience. Attendees will hear from local panelists who will share information, perspectives, and resources designed to support and empower immigrant community members.

Krannert Art Museum

Exploración Artística para Familias

Evening · 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Krannert Art Museum, 500 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820

Celebrate National Immigrant Welcoming Week at Krannert Art Museum! The museum is always free and open to all, with galleries open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. while classes are in session, and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Fragmented Histories: Andean Art Before 1600, Stitching Ecologies: The Urbana-Champaign Crochet Coral Reef, Centering Clay: Connection and Innovation in American Studio Ceramics, and permanent collections. Special Welcoming Week programming includes Exploración Artística para Familias on September 10, a bilingual (Spanish/English) evening of gallery exploration and hands-on artmaking inspired by Fragmented Histories and Stitching Ecologies.

Champaign Public Library

An Evening with Sonali Dev

Evening · 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign, IL 61820

Join us for an evening with award-winning author Sonali Dev! USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev's novels have been named Best Books of the Year by Library Journal, NPR, The Washington Post, and Kirkus. She has won the American Library Association's award for best in genre, the RT Reviewer Choice Award, multiple RT Seals of Excellence, has been a RITA® finalist, and has been listed for the Dublin Literary Award. Dev commonly blends American and Indian cultures in her works, often with an emphasis on Bollywood style. Her characters come from a variety of backgrounds and fall all along the spectrum of wealth. Some of her characters experience discrimination due to their race, gender, and culture.

University YMCA

Bienvenidos: The Murals and Work of Jose Vazquez

On display throughout Welcoming Week (Sept 9–19) · Opening celebration: Evening · 5:00pm – 7:00pm

University YMCA, 1001 S Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820

Celebrating the numerous community murals and work of Jose Vazquez and the spirit of welcome, with live music and good food.

Krannert Art Museum

Noontime Gallery Talk & Tour

Afternoon · 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Krannert Art Museum, 500 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820

Celebrate National Immigrant Welcoming Week at Krannert Art Museum! The museum is always free and open to all, with galleries open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. while classes are in session, and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Fragmented Histories: Andean Art Before 1600, Stitching Ecologies: The Urbana-Champaign Crochet Coral Reef, Centering Clay: Connection and Innovation in American Studio Ceramics, and permanent collections. Visitors can enjoy a Noontime Gallery Talk & Tour on September 11.

★ Featured Welcoming Week Event

Community Collaborative led by The Refugee Center (TRC)

Welcoming Week Kickoff Celebration

Evening · 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Lincoln Square Mall, 300 S. Broadway Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

Join us for the official welcoming week kickoff party! Enjoy free food from local immigrant-owned businesses, experience cross-cultural performances, and learn how to get involved in building a welcoming C-U community year round. All ages welcome.

The Urbana Free Library

Conversation Café

Morning · 11:00am – 12:00pm

The Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St, Urbana, IL 61801

Conversation Café is a twice monthly program where language learners of all levels can practice their conversational skills. English, Spanish, and French are the target languages spoken by most attendees. Those looking to practice other languages are welcome, but may want to bring a friend to practice with. Light snacks, drinks, conversation topics, games, and activities for children will all be provided. This is a free program with no registration required. All are welcome!

Champaign Co. Christian Health Ctr

Grounded Together: Finding Calm, Support & Community in Uncertain Times

Afternoon · 1:00pm

New Covenant Fellowship Church, 124 W. White St, Champaign, IL 61820

A welcoming conversation about emotional wellness, practical coping tools, and community resources for immigrants, newcomers, and community members.

Campaña de Salud

Feria de Salud (Community Health Fair)

Afternoon · 11:00am – 3:00pm

The Romero Center, 612 E Park St, Champaign, IL 61820

Join us for a fun-filled and educational afternoon in celebrating Latin American independence and Inspiring healthy choices. This event features many organizations across Central Illinois who will discuss the many ways they can help support making healthy lifestyle choices. We also provide blood pressure, lipid, and blood sugar screenings. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone.

Global Relations | Illinois International & the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs

Global CU: Neighbors Connecting Through Cultures and Stories

Afternoon · 2:00pm – 4:30pm

The Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St, Urbana, IL 61801

Illinois International | Global Relations and the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library) since 2023 have held international intercultural events in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center as part of CU Welcoming Week. This year, we invite you to join us in celebrating our vibrant, diverse community in an activity that will allow you to meet your neighbors from a different country and hear more about their personal stories and heritage cultures. Neighbors at this event will be sharing various cultural aspects of their countries including art, language, fashion, and you may even have a chance to participate in some games and food! This is a family-friendly event, open to the public and snacks, arts & crafts are offered as part of the event.

Pixan Q'anej

Traditional Maya Dress Fashion Show

Evening · 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center (IMC), 202 S. Broadway Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

Join us to celebrate a wonderful evening filled of Maya culture and knowledge. This event will showcase traditional Maya dress from the different regions of Guatemala. Pixan Q'anej, the host, will share the stories that our clothing and designs carry. We share and celebrate our culture, clothing and language by showcasing the distinct traditional regional weave along side the newer designs.

The City of Urbana

Meet the City of Urbana - Let's Connect!

Morning · 10:30am – 12:00pm

Urbana City Hall South Lawn, 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801

Come to Urbana City Hall and meet your City Leaders. While here, have light fare and beverages out on Urbana City Hall's South Lawn. Meet our Mayor, Chief of Police, our Fire Chief, and other Department Heads who work for YOU! We will have valuable information for you to take with you and share with your family, friends, and neighbors. All are welcome in Urbana!

UIUC Access, Civil Rights & Community

Undocumented Ally Training

Afternoon · 1:00pm – 4:00pm

614 E Daniel St, Third Floor, Room 3080, Champaign, IL 61820

College students who are undocumented experience unique challenges in higher education. Join university staff, student leaders, and faculty to learn to better support undocumented students at Illinois. This training is an opportunity to hear from undocumented students and join a network of campus allies. For more information, visit open.illinois.edu.

I-CAUSE

Higher Education for Immigrant Students

Evening · 5:00pm – 6:00pm

I-CAUSE, 614 E Daniel St, Third Floor, Room 3070, Champaign, IL 61820

Join the Illinois Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students' Education (I-CAUSE) for an educational event exploring the experiences of undocumented and non-citizen students in higher education. Learn about recent challenges stemming from changes in federal policy, as well as the resources available at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to support student success. Enjoy complimentary treats, participate in a reflective craft activity on identity and systemic barriers, and unwind with slime- and stress ball-making while connecting with fellow attendees in a welcoming, supportive community.

Inclusion & Belonging Committee (Clark-Lindsey)

How to Bring Quality Health Services to Underserved Communities at Low Cost

Afternoon · 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Clark-Lindsey, 101 W. Windsor Rd, Urbana, IL 61802

Participants can exchange ideas and share examples of challenges that are priorities.

JPMorgan Chase

From Questions to Confidence: Understanding Credit Together

Afternoon · 4:00pm – 5:00pm

University YMCA, Latzer Hall, 1001 S Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820

Join us for a free Understanding Credit Money Skills workshop during Welcoming Week. Participants will learn how credit works, what affects a credit score, and practical steps for building and protecting credit. The session will offer clear, useful information in a welcoming environment where participants can ask questions and strengthen their financial confidence. This event is open to community members at any stage of their financial journey.

First Presbyterian Church

International Family Game Night

Evening · 4:30pm – 6:00pm

First Presbyterian Church, 302 W. Church St, Champaign, IL 61820

Games outdoors and in with food treats. Family friendly. Always a full house.

Champaign Public Library

Community Job Fair

Evening · 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St, Champaign, IL 61820

Local career coaches and employment services will be on site to help you land your next job! Free and open to everyone. Whether you are seeking part-time opportunities, new to the community, changing careers, or just want to see what's out there, we want to help! Enter for a chance to win a Chromebook or a gift card to Macy's for fresh interview attire!

Museum of the Grand Prairie

The Art of Making

Afternoon · 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Museum of the Grand Prairie, 950 N Lombard St, Mahomet, IL 61853

Inspired by our newest exhibit, The Art of Making: Tools and Traditions of Handiwork, the Museum of the Grand Prairie is hosting a special event celebrating the stories behind handmade objects. Explore pieces from the museum's collection and learn about the tools and traditions used to create them. Visitors are also invited to bring their own handiwork, tools, or creative traditions to share- highlighting the skills, memories, and cultures that shape our community.

The Refugee Center

Unidas Seremos Más Fuertes

Evening · 6:00pm – 8:00pm

The Refugee Center, 201 W. Kenyon Rd, Suite 4D, Champaign, IL 61820

Unidas Seremos Mas Fuertes is a group of women who enjoy crafting and connecting with one another. Please join us and learn to make a beautiful craft, make some friends, and eat a delicious meal. Kids are welcome and will have their own activities. This group is free to women and their children.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Cultura Pesá in concert

Evening · 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 5 - Lobby, 500 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

The infectious rhythms of Puerto Rico will have you dancing in your seat when Cultura Pesá takes the stage in this free concert in the lobby of Krannert Center. Founder Jomar Santos shares his passion for the cuatro—the 10-stringed, guitar-like national instrument of Puerto Rico. Cultura Pesá connects young people to their cultural heritage, empowering a new generation of musicians to enjoy and share bomba, plena, salsa, seises, and aguinaldos musical styles with joy and passion.

IL Dept. of Commerce (OE3)

State Funding & Business Resources for IL Business Owners: Business Resources for Minority and Underserved Entrepreneurs (Financiamiento y Recursos del Estado para Dueños de Negocios en Illinois: Recursos para Emprendedores de Grupos Minoritarios y Comunidades Desatendidas)

Evening · 6:00pm – 7:50pm

The Urbana Free Library, 210 W. Green St, Urbana, IL 61801

This workshop will be offered in English and Spanish by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). If you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, join us for an informative presentation with DCEO's Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) and the Office of Regional Economic Development (RED). OE3 advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Team RED provides free and confidential services to companies seeking to expand or relocate within the state. Presenters will be sharing funding opportunities and resources available throughout the State of Illinois to business owners including business grants, state loans, technical assistance, and how to register with the State of Illinois GATA portal to pre-qualify for DCEO grants. After the presentations, staff will be available for questions and 1:1 technical assistance. This in-person event is offered at no cost.

Este taller será ofrecido en inglés y en español por el Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Económicas (DCEO). Si eres dueño de negocio o futuro emprendedor, acompáñanos a una presentación informativa con la Oficina de Equidad Económica y Empoderamiento (OE3) y la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico Regional (RED) de DCEO. OE3 aboga por oportunidades económicas equitativas en todo el estado de Illinois para negocios pertenecientes a minorías, mujeres, veteranos, personas con discapacidades, corporaciones sin fines de lucro elegibles, y otras comunidades desatendidas. El equipo de RED ofrece servicios gratuitos y confidenciales a negocios que buscan expandirse o reubicarse dentro del estado. Los presentadores compartirán oportunidades de financiamiento y recursos disponibles en todo el estado para dueños de negocios, incluyendo subvenciones para negocios, préstamos del estado, asistencia técnica, y cómo registrarse en el portal GATA del Estado de Illinois para pre-calificar para subvenciones de DCEO. Después de las presentaciones, estaran disponible para preguntas y asistencia técnica individual. Este evento es en persona y no tiene costo.

Urbana Park District

Toddler Art Morning Playgroup

Morning · 9:30am – 11:00am

Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W. Stoughton St, Urbana, IL 61801

Join Urbana Park District and CCRP's Head Start for a morning of fun with a welcoming family-friendly playgroup that includes art, imaginative play, books, social time, and pop-up learning! Connect with other adults and toddlers while enjoying coffee, snacks, and activities. The best part? We clean up the mess!

Family & Graduate Housing

Scoops and Smiles

Evening · 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Orchard Downs Community Center, 510 W. George Huff Dr., Urbana, IL 61801

Join us for a sweet treat and a friendly hello! Enjoy a scoop of ice cream and connect with others in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're new to the area or a lifelong resident, this is the perfect chance to meet university staff, meet new people, and enjoy some casual conversation. No agenda—just smiles, scoops, and good vibes. All are welcome!

City of Champaign

The Mosaic: A Welcoming Week Concert

Evening · 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Neil Street Plaza (Downtown Champaign Plaza), Neil St & Washington St, Champaign, IL 61820

Join us for a free outdoor concert celebrating Welcoming Week! Enjoy an evening of live music, community, and connection as we celebrate the many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that make our community stronger. This family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. Bring your friends, family, or neighbors, meet someone new, and celebrate all the people who call our community home.

Krannert Art Museum

Artist Talk & Tour — Catherine Weisener

Morning · 10:30am – 11:30am

Krannert Art Museum, 500 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL 61820

Celebrate National Immigrant Welcoming Week at Krannert Art Museum! The museum is always free and open to all, with galleries open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. while classes are in session, and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Fragmented Histories: Andean Art Before 1600, Stitching Ecologies: The Urbana-Champaign Crochet Coral Reef, Centering Clay: Connection and Innovation in American Studio Ceramics, and permanent collections. Visitors can enjoy an Artist Talk & Tour with Catherine Weisener in Centering Clay on September 19.

CU Immigration Forum

2026 Immigrant Welcome Awards (13th annual)

Afternoon · 1:30pm – 5:00pm

The Urbana Free Library, Lewis Auditorium, 210 W. Green St, Urbana, IL 61801

Come celebrate the diversity of cultures and people who make up our community. The Immigrant Welcome Awards recognizes leadership within our immigrant communities as well as individuals and organizations that have created a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants in Champaign County. The awards honor those who have made significant contributions, taken risks, and have provided leadership for the well-being and success of immigrants. A cultural performance will be included at the intermission. As we celebrate the accomplishments of local immigrants from diverse areas of the world, we make our local community more aware of the positive contributions immigrants bring to our community and also promote and affirm the process of continuing to welcome immigrants. Afterwards we will have food on the main floor of the library and opportunities for conversation for whomever can stay. Awards: 1:30–3pm. Reception: 3–5pm.

Immigrant Business Showcase 2026

Discounts are valid September 6–19, 2026.