Cultural leaders from across Metro Vancouver are set to stir up creative thinking in Coquitlam next month.
The city is gearing up for the return of its Cultural Summit, which welcomes interested participants to two days of insight and discussion on the direction of society through the arts and heritage sector.
In a release, Maria Danysh, Coquitlam's arts and culture program coordinator, explained this year she hopes to "stimulate ideas" and immerse local residents with in-person experiences for the first time since 2019.
The bi-annual event's theme for 2022: Embracing Inclusivity and Resilience — A Path Forward.
On the first day, Nov. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m., the Arts Night Social will provide live performances, food and wine, and the chance for attendees to mingle.
One day two, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., keynote speakers and roundtable panels are set to offer discussions on current arts trends, including:
- Accessibility and community building
- Creative adaptations in the arts
- Social history and culture
Tickets are $25 each and includes admission to both events at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, refreshments and lunch.
For more information, you can visit the Cultural Summit's page on the City of Coquitlam's website.
The Nov. 5 speakers, along with a description of their respective presentations, are as follows:
Keynote
- Vishad Deeplaul — Equity, diversity and inclusion lead, City of Burnaby
- "Anything in life is possible when you have true intentions and put your mind and heart into it. Listen to Vishad’s story that sparked constitutional change in South Africa and get inspired to 'Be the Change' the world needs."
- Andrea Curtis — Executive director, Vancouver Mural Fest
- "Listen to the story of a grassroots group with a big vision for public art and placemaking, and how the transformative power of creativity in shared spaces is the cultural elixir cities need."
Roundtable
- Jennifer Hayes — Professional musician, educator and consultant
- "Meaningful engagement in Arts and Culture at an early age can have a life changing impact on young adults. Learn how to use art as an impactful way to get young people thinking about the world around them."
- Lindy Sisson — Freelance arts consultant
- "Let your imagination come alive with ideas on how arts inclusion, accessibility and innovation can change the game and become a movement towards growth and transformation in your organization."
- Sheena Jardine-Olade — Cultural equity and accessibility planner, City of Vancouver
- "The session will discuss the successes and challenges of working towards a transformation within the arts and culture landscape. Explore the community guided policy in City of Vancouver's Cultural Plan that seeks to disrupt and dismantle systems of supremacy while addressing the historical and present harm and colonial erasure of marginalized groups."
