Despite certain stereotypes about Utah as being monocultural, it has become increasingly more diverse over the last 15 years. The state’s capitol, Salt Lake City, is identified as a “port of entry” for refugee communities which concretely means that there are over 100 family languages represented: Somali, Arabic, Sudanese, Karin, Swahili, Portuguese, and, of course, Spanish; to name a few.
Along with Utah’s cultural and linguistic diversity, the state and national parks make Utah one of the most biodiverse communities in the world: Arches, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Escalante, the Grand Canyon, the Great Salt Lake, Canyonlands, Zion, Monument Valley, Flaming Gorge, Lake Powell/Glenn Canyon, and Bear Lake. Known for its hosting of the Olympics and perfect powder, winter resorts provide a range of activities from snowboarding and skiing to snowshoeing and cross country. The arts communities are not only diverse but well supported and representative of opportunities for filmmakers, dancers, singers: from the Sundance Film Festival and Utah’s symphony, its own opera, ballet, and acting companies to amazing educational outreach for schools by world class museums and a new aquarium.
Across The Divide: A Dialogue 