The 16th Annual International Children’s Friendship Festival (ICFF) lit Seattle up once again this April, bringing a colorful and deeply inspiring celebration of global culture, youth leadership, and artistic expression to the heart of the city. Held at the iconic Fisher Pavilion in Seattle Center, this year’s festival was a resounding success—and Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) was proud to stand alongside as one of the community partners.
Organized by the Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington (TACAWA), ICFF is the Pacific Northwest’s largest children’s festival. Each year, it channels the spirit of April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day—Türkiye’s historic gift to the world—into a weekend that celebrates peace, inclusion, and cultural exchange through the eyes and voices of children.
BTF and ICFF: A Natural Partnership
As a nonprofit that believes deeply in the power of education and youth empowerment, BTF was honored to support ICFF’s mission this year. From dazzling stage performances and heartfelt music to thoughtful visual arts and storytelling, every corner of the festival reflected what BTF also holds dear: a future shaped by compassion, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.
Art with a Message: When I Picture Tomorrow…
One of the standout features of this year’s ICFF was the Art Showcase, where more than 200 artworks created by children answered the prompt: “When I Picture Tomorrow, I See…” These vibrant and often moving creations revealed the hopeful, profound, and sometimes urgent dreams of young minds.
Spotlight on Youth Leadership
The ICFF Youth Voices program brought together 55 young leaders from diverse backgrounds to co-create, collaborate, and learn. Over eight weeks, these participants designed a large-scale art installation, documented community oral histories, and prepared workshops that celebrated dance, music, and traditions from around the world. Their work culminated in the 2025 Youth Voices Vision Statement, which was shared with local Seattle leaders—including the Director of Seattle Neighborhoods, Jenifer Chao, who visited the festival in person to show her support.
Music and Joy in Celebration of April 23rd
Another highlight was the performance by the American Turkish Academy of Washington’s Children’s Choir. Under the guidance of Bengu Bostanci and conductor Ahmet Serkan, the choir filled the venue with the joy and meaning of April 23rd. Their heartfelt anthems and infectious energy captured the spirit of both ICFF and Children’s Day—reminding all of us of the universal power of music to connect and uplift.
A Tapestry of Cultures and Futures
With participation from over 30 countries and cultures, ICFF remains a one-of-a-kind space where children don’t just learn about diversity—they live it. Through the Global Citizen passport game, interactive exhibits, and community-led performances, young attendees explored the richness of languages, traditions, and values from across the globe.
This year, as in past years, the city of Seattle issued an official proclamation in honor of April 23rd. While a few other U.S. cities also recognize this meaningful day, Seattle stands apart thanks to the scale of its celebration and the incredible diversity of children it brings together.
Looking Ahead
Bridge to Türkiye Fund celebrates the success of ICFF Seattle 2025 and extends heartfelt congratulations to the entire organizing committee, volunteers, artists, and especially the children who brought their whole hearts to the event. As we carry the festival’s message of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” into the months ahead, we look forward to deepening our partnership and continuing to invest in the boundless potential of youth.
Until next year, ICFF—thank you for reminding us all of the power of imagination, inclusion, and community.