Slovenci so morda res majhna skupnost znotraj severnoameriškega talilnika, njihovi ustvarjalni dosežki pa so veliki, morda celo večji, kot bi pričakovali glede na njihovo število. Slovenci v ZDA so dosegli priznanje na vseh področjih kulture, od književnosti, drame in filma do glasbe, plesa, športa in vizualne umetnosti.

Mnogi posamezniki so spodbujali ustvarjalnost v svojih skupnostih v mestih in naseljih, kjer so rasle slovenske kulturne skupine. Drugi so se uveljavili na svojih področjih znotraj večinske kulture in dosegli nacionalno priznanje.

Slovenci so izkoristili priložnost, vire in tehnologijo, ki so jim bili dosegljivi v Novem svetu. Slovenci v ZDA so prvi izvajali glasbo in recitacije na posnetkih po radiu in televiziji, včasih tudi celo desetletje, preden so te medije uvedli v Sloveniji.

Ustvarjalni zagon slovenskih migrantov se je razmahnil po drugi svetovni vojni, ko so si njihovi angleško govoreči in visoko izobraženi otroci ustvarjali kariere in se uveljavljali s svojim delom. Čeprav je morda le malo resnično slovenskega v njihovi ustvarjalnosti, so še vedno v navdih in ponos Slovencem vsepovsod.

Slovenians may be a small entity within the melting pot of North America, but their creative accomplishments are considerable, perhaps even greater than their number might promise. Slovenians in the United States have achieved recognition in every expression, from literature, drama and film to music, dance, sports and the visual arts.

Many individuals inspired creativity within their communities in cities and settlements where Slovenian cultural groups thrived. Others excelled at their crafts in mainstream circles to attain national acclaim.

Slovenians took advantage of the opportunities, resources and technology available to them in the New World. Slovenians in the United States were the first to perform Slovenian music and recitations on recordings, radio and television, sometimes a decade before comparable media were created in Slovenia.

The creative impulse of Slovenian migrants blossomed after World War II as their English-speaking, college-educated children built careers and became known for their work. Although there may be little intrinsically Slovenian about their genius, they still inspire and instill pride in Slovenians everywhere.

Avtorja razstave: Joe Valenčič – Cleveland, dr. Mirjam Milharčič Hladnik – Inštitut za slovensko izseljenstvo in migracije ZRC SAZU
Oblikovanje in postavitev razstave: Anamarija Ludvik, Brina Fekonja