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Part One: Introduction

Part Three: Living
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Part Four: City
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Public Participation

Cultural Activities and Special Events

Vancouver offers a wide range of cultural activities – from many different cultures. You can experience live theatre, dance, concerts, film and video screenings, art gallery and museum exhibitions, literary readings, lectures, fairs and festivals.

Many different arts organizations and community groups sponsor and/or stage these events, which take place at different private and public venues, including community and cultural centres, libraries, churches and rented halls.

The City of Vancouver supports a range of cultural venues, including City-owned theatres such as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse and the Orpheum Theatre. The City also supports major civic facilities such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Museum, Maritime Museum, the Pacific Space Centre, and Science World.

The City assists many non-profit arts groups through the Office of Cultural Affairs (Tel: 604-873-7487). The Office also works with artists to develop public art, which is exhibited in public spaces in parks and neighbourhoods.

Where to get information and tickets

Local newspapers and free weeklies such as the Westender, Georgia Straight and Vancouver Courier, are good sources of information on local cultural activities. Tourism Vancouver has a website with current event information: www.tourismvancouver.com. The Alliance for Arts and Culture helps hundreds of Vancouver arts groups share information about events and activities. Stop by the Alliance Resource Centre at 938 Howe Street or call them at 604-681-3535. The Alliance website is: www.allianceforarts.com.

For many events you need to buy tickets in advance. Ticketmaster (Tel: 604-280-4444) sells tickets for many major events, either at its various locations or over the telephone. You can also buy tickets at theatre box offices or from organizations staging events or at the events themselves.

You can often save money on tickets by buying them early, buying a subscription to a series of events, such as concerts or plays, or buying an entertainment book with discount coupons for arts events. Most events offer discounts for seniors, children and students. While most museums charge an entrance fee, many commercial and non-profit galleries are free.

Special events and festivals

On July 1st, Canada's birthday, there are special events in neighbourhoods all over Vancouver. Read your local newspapers or talk to staff at your local community centre to find out how and where to participate in these events.

Vancouver has lots of arts festivals and community celebrations throughout the year. Some events include:

• Black History Month (Feb)
• Asian Heritage Month (May)
• Vancouver Int'l Children's Festival (June)
• Aboriginal Art and Cultural Celebration (June)
• Vancouver Jazz Festival (June)
• Dragon Boat Festival (June)
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival (July)
• Vancouver Chamber Music Festival (July/August)
• Powell Street Festival (August)
• Gay Pride Parade & Festival (August)
• Vancouver Fringe Festival (September)
• Vancouver Int'l Film Festival (October)
• Vancouver Writers and Readers Festival (October)

All these events bring people together from around Greater Vancouver to enjoy the arts and culture of many different communities. Watch for posters and look in different newspapers and media to find out about these events.

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Part Four: City
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© 2002, City of Vancouver, Community Services, Social Planning
Last Modified: Tuesday, September 2, 2003