Most students realize that to truly learn about a subject you sometimes have to dig deep. Read books, watch films, talk to someone who knows more. That opportunity is presented to students every day at Iowa State.

To truly understand something as complex as a foreign culture, however, you need to experience it firsthand. That opportunity will be presented this weekend at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave.

“Interpreting India: Multiple Views, Multiple Voices,” an interdisciplinary symposium, will be held in conjunction with the “Aspects of India” art exhibit at the Octagon this Friday through Sunday.

“This is a great way for people to gain awareness of India and its culture in a matter of a weekend,” said Heather Straszheim, curator at the Octagon.

“We are trying to bring a part of India to them since most people don’t have the financial ability to visit India in person.”

In the past, the Octagon has displayed exhibits by artists from Iraq, Palestine and Lithuania. The idea for the exhibit and symposium on India was brought to Straszheim more than two years ago by Cindy Gould, assistant professor of art and design.

“[It’s] an attempt to look at culture holistically, not just seeing objects out of context in a museum gallery,” Gould said.

Gould and Straszheim have worked over the course of the last two years to bring a variety of artists and specialists on India together for the weekend events. A variety of disciplines will be discussed, featuring art history, architecture, religious studies, anthropology, textiles and more.

“I wanted to be as inclusive as possible to examine India from multiple views and have people talk about various aspects of Indian life and culture.” Gould said.

Straszheim said the Octagon has received a great response to the “Aspects of India” exhibit since it opened on Aug. 6.

The exhibit displays the mixed media of eight artists, three from India and five Americans who have done research in India, including Gould.

“The Octagon tries to include a variety of exhibits stretching across borders of other countries in an attempt to increase the awareness of other cultures and traditions,” Straszheim said. “People are drawn to this exhibit because it examines the traditional as well as contemporary craft inspired by Indian heritage.”

Straszheim said there is still room available for the symposium, and registrations are still being accepted. The registration fee is $65 for adults, $15 for students. The fee pays for all of the weekend events, including appetizers on Friday and Sunday and a full-catered Indian dinner on Saturday evening.

“It’s really a good deal for students,” Gould said. “We tried to keep the price down to get more students involved. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to get immersed in a different culture.”

Gould said learning about other cultures will help make the world a better place to live, and make people more well-rounded.

“In today’s world, with the strain of political, social and religious differences, and conflict, the more we can learn about, understand, and accept people and cultures that are different from us, the better off we will all be,” she said.