Lorena Espinosa

NURS 1100-F18

Section 303

Service Learning Project

My service learning project for fall semester 2018 was with the Utah Cultural Alliance,

most specifically with the 2018 Utah Urban Arts Festival. They are a great organization that

assists the community with awareness of various forms of art, cultural education, cultural

industries, and humanitarian work through different core outlets. I learned of many new

opportunities on how this organization impacts our community, and how accessible they are to

every individual looking to find new ways to reach out to their community.

I learned of the many different events, meetings, and clubs held monthly with various

organizations within the Utah Cultural Alliance that aid in awareness of art (theatre, museums,

venues, visual arts, pop culture, and many more). These events vary in price, but I found most

are free admission, relaying on volunteer needs from the community. Volunteering at the Urban

Arts Festival was so much more than I expected.

The Urban Arts Festival is the largest free community art event in Utah. Showcasing over

hundreds of artists, performers, and musicians. It gives a feel of various different art forms

including but not limited to; live street art, music/dance performers, fashion design, paintings,

pottery, print-making, jewelry, glass art, local and craft goods. It benefits the community of Salt

Lake by giving the public the opportunity to experience various art forms in one convenient

location. Festival goers also had the opportunity to participate in several projects, as did many

volunteers.
 Thousands of people, both from inside and outside the state gather in downtown Salt

Lake for this two-day event. Supporting local business, shops, hotels, restaurants, and the

benefits also extend to the artists, musicians, and performers. This festival allows them to

showcase and increase their visibility and expand their audience. The festival and its patrons

bring millions of dollars to the downtown economy and this is supported by Salt Lake City Corp,

Salt Lake County, and the state of Utah. This is very important in maintaining local businesses

and keeping Salt Lake relevant in tourism.

It was such a unique experience and atmosphere because it really brings awareness to the

cultural diversity we have here in Utah, specifically in Salt Lake. As future nurses we need to be

aware of the cultural differences that we may ignore or did not believe exist. We also need to be

understanding of those differences and accommodating to them. This is a very important trait we

must value, not only as nurses, but as fellow people. I believe community engagement is a great

way to prepare us prior to starting our careers. Nursing is about giving back to others, regardless

of background, race, social, and economic status. It is about teaching back to the community

while continuing to learn. There will continue to be change, but the learning process will remain

the same as we develop ourselves into professional nurses. For now, we can build on that

foundation and continue to learn while engaging with one another.