BC Culture Days is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Mark your calendars from September 22 to October 15, 2023, for three weeks of artistic bliss and community celebrations across Metro Vancouver and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. With over 400 events in 50 diverse communities, this year’s Culture Days promises to be a joyous, creative, and colorful affair. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a good time, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your calendar, your friends, and your creative spirit, as we dive into this exciting cultural extravaganza.
Discovering Diversity: One of the most remarkable aspects of Culture Days is its ability to bring communities together and celebrate their unique identities. From Vancouver to Lillooet, each participating region has curated its own cultural hub, offering a rich tapestry of activities and experiences.
Nazanin Shoja, BC Culture Days Program Director, expressed her excitement, stating, “We’re delighted to witness a rise in registered new hubs and events throughout Metro Vancouver, and we’re especially delighted that Lillooet is joining in for the first time, bringing an exhilarating range of activities.”
Our Voices, Ourselves Community Hub: A highlight of this year’s Culture Days is the “Our Voices, Ourselves Community Hub” in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Spearheaded by community-based performer and choreographer Lance Lim of Pigeon Den Art Collective, this hub promises three weeks of artist-led All Bodies dance, hip hop, storytelling, and art workshops.
Lance Lim emphasized the hub’s significance, saying, “The Our Voices, Ourselves Community Hub is about celebrating the crucial role arts and culture can be a unifying source in recognizing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and creating space for others.”
The hub kicks off with a bang on Saturday, September 23, at the RayCam Co-operative Centre gymnasium. The community block party will feature performances, demonstrations, food vendors, and even a live DJ dance event. Plus, you can explore local art spaces on the Culture Days Community Art Tour.
A/I/R Ambassador Series: Two Culture Days ambassadors, Peisen Ding and Summer Tyance, are hosting special events in Vancouver, guided by the theme of AIR (access, inclusion, and resilience). Each event is designed to be low-barrier and accessible, allowing everyone to participate and enjoy the festivities.
Metro Vancouver Highlights: Now, let’s dive into some of the exciting events happening across Metro Vancouver during Culture Days:
Vancouver:
- Our Voices, Ourselves Community Hub Kickoff Party: Join the celebration at RayCam Co-operative Centre on September 23, featuring a lineup of fantastic performances and activities.
- Celebrate the Fire Dragon Festival: Experience the magic of the Chinese Canadian Museum on September 23.
- Lost & Found: Dive into participatory art installation at grunt gallery, guided by BC Culture Days ambassador Peisen Ding.
- Mooncake Making and Storytelling: Join in the fun at The Press Room on September 23.
- Bocadillos de teatro by Luis Javier: Get ready for theatre and fun at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from September 26 to 29.
- Listen, Listen Festival 2023: Enjoy the festivities from October 6-8 at Left of Main.
- Indigenous Youth Two-Spirit Hand Drum Song Workshop: Learn and celebrate at Persona Creative on October 7, organized by BC Culture Days ambassador Summer Tyance.
- Life Stories Painting Workshop: Express yourself through art at Gordon Neighbourhood House on October 13.
- Kathak Movement Workshop: Experience the art of movement at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre on October 14.
North and West Vancouver:
- Artists For Conservation Festival: Discover nature-inspired art at Maplewood Conservancy.
- Lecture Recital: Bach Sinfonias: Enjoy a musical journey at The Silk Purse Arts Centre.
- The Fire Still Burns: Listen to Squamish Elder Sam George’s wisdom at North Vancouver District Public Library.
- Live and Local Event at Seylynn Park: Experience the vibrant local scene at Seylynn Park.
- Storytelling, Songs, and Crafts with Lisa Lewis: Perfect for kids aged 5-9 at West Vancouver Memorial Library.
- Upcycled Art Jam with NVRC Artist Residency: Get creative at Chris Zuehlke Memorial Park.
- North Shore Art Crawl: Explore art across the North Shore on October 13-15.
- Golden Memories-Card Making Workshop: Craft your own memories at Silver Harbour Senior Centre.
- Fiddle at the Quay! (with NSCE): Enjoy a musical afternoon at The Quay.
Richmond:
- Tracey-Mae Chambers: Hope and Healing Canada: Explore the exhibition at Richmond Cultural Centre’s Rotunda.
- Three Perfections – The Art of Chinese Calligraphy, Painting and Poetry: Dive into Chinese art at Richmond Cultural Centre.
- Discover Dance Day: Learn some moves with Defy Gravity Dance Company.
- Islamic Art Exploration – Sisters Art Workshop: Get creative at Richmond Jamia Masjid Gym.
- Richmond Improv Theatre Society: Intro to Improv: Laugh your heart out at Thompson Community Centre.
- Botanical Self Portrait Collage Party: Create art at Richmond Art Gallery.
Surrey:
- Hear Our Voices – An Art and Poetry Workshop: Express yourself at UNITI – Semiahmoo House Society.
- Culture Days Celebrates: Dominican Republic: Explore Dominican culture at the Museum of Surrey.
- Band-Aid Youth Musician Jam Session: Jam with youth musicians at Clayton Community Centre.
Burnaby:
- Stand Up For Mental Health Culture Days Show: Enjoy a morning of laughter at St Timothy’s Church.
- Paper Folding – Tian Jin Temple: Get creative at Tian Jin Temple.
With such a diverse array of events spanning across Metro Vancouver and the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Culture Days 2023 promises to be an unforgettable cultural journey. Mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of art, creativity, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate the vibrant cultural tapestry of British Columbia! For more information, visit culturedays.ca and follow @BCCultureDays on social media for the latest updates.