Culture Day, where it all began
2020: Trout Lake Park
On July 1, 2020, we gathered at Trout Lake Park for the first Culture Day Vancouver. More than 30 local BIPOC artists, dancers, designers, musicians and activists shared their work, and every one of them was paid. That was the point. Our culture is not free content. It is work, and it deserves to be valued. It was a day to reclaim our voices through arts and culture, on our terms.
2021: Strathcona Park
A year later, on June 27, 2021, Culture Day returned at Strathcona Park. From the opening ceremony in the morning to the last set at night, the day celebrated, demonstrated and advocated for Black and Indigenous culture, with performers including Lord Sly, Kor, Ndidi Cascade, Xhalida September, Madam Lola and Handsome Tiger.
What Culture Day stands for
Culture Day is a celebration, and it's also a statement. It says BIPOC creatives belong at the centre of Vancouver's cultural life, not the margins. It says artists get paid. And it shows what our community can build when we do it ourselves.
What's next
Culture Day will return. Join our newsletter to be first to hear the date, and follow @bipoc.ca on Instagram.
See every past Culture Day on our Past Events page.
