The Cowichan region is celebrating arts and culture over the next few weeks through the annual Culture Days that celebrates 15 years supporting the vibrancy of arts and culture in communities across the country.
“Celebrating 15 years of Culture Days is a testament to how important arts and culture is to Canadians across the country, especially here in B.C. where we have more than the national average of artists and cultural workers,” said CVRD Art and Culture Division services supervisor Laura Stephenson. “The CVRD Arts and Culture Division is delighted to be working with organizations within our region to highlight cultural activities during this national event.”
The Arts & Culture Division of the CVRD is promoting free or by donation events put on by local organizations through their Culture Days Event Hub from free music concerts to artist demos in local galleries. The Arts & Culture Division of the CVRD aim to expand on their community outreach for next year and encourage all arts and culture organizers in the CVRD to submit their events to the Culture Days webpage.
“Culture Days provides an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in culture and varied art disciplines for free,” said Stephenson. “This three-week, national celebration of Canada’s creative sector is participatory, giving attendees the chance to get their hands in paint or join a music jam. According to the Culture Days research, approximately 85 per cent of Canadians believe arts and culture promotes social inclusion and helps build strong communities. Culture Days 2024 is our first regional-wide initiative to promote local participants with Cultural Days activities.”
Culture Days kicked off with a free concert at Water Wheel Park in Chemainus on Sept. 21, and on Sept. 27, Quw’utsun artists had a special presentation at the Cowichan Library branch. Culture Days finishes off in North Cowichan with an explosion of entertainment with Love Bomb an electric rock concert that is wrapped within a mystery play featuring original music and profound performances. Love Bomb, which explodes on the CPAC stage on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m., takes an unflinching look at the realities of sex trafficking in Canada. Suitable for audiences aged 12 and above, tickets for this production will be by donation in support of the Warmland Womens’ Support Services Society.
Culture Days, which runs until Oct. 13, invites the public to experience and celebrate the talent of our communities by giving people the chance to explore arts and culture. Visit www.culturedays.ca for a list of all Culture Days events that are taking place within the Cowichan region.
“I hope that Culture Days 2024 provides CVRD residents the chance to get out for a memorable and free experience and check out the organizations that offer year-round creative classes and events in our area,” said Stephenson. “I hope that the cultural events are well-attended and appreciated here in the CVRD, and that Culture Days provides a fantastic occasion to try something new.”