Comics open to everyone

The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival (VanCAF) is back for its eighth instalment. The VanCAF will bring together artists and fans for a series of workshops, panels and a general exhibition that will provide a forum to interact with and discover creators with all sorts of styles and backgrounds. The festival will run May 18–19 at…

Hot chocolate from around the world

As part of Vancouver’s 9th annual Hot Chocolate Festival Kasama Chocolate will be hosting a workshop for chocolate lovers, including cacao with various cultural twists, at the Italian Cultural Centre on Feb. 6, 2019. At Hot Chocolates from the World, participants will explore the history and background of chocolates, with a chance to make their own…

Orchestrating an African cultural tour

ISSAMBA, a 90-minute show filled with African music and dance, will be touring Vancouver and Vancouver Island Feb. 14–23. Produced by the Victoria African and Caribbean Cultural Society (VACCS), ISSAMBA functions as a way for some to celebrate their own heritage and for others to experience African and Caribbean culture in a fun and educational atmosphere. A sense…

Festival of lights and culture

This year’s Diwali Festival in B.C. promises to both entertain and educate. Founded by Rohit Chokhani, Diwali in B.C. is an artistic platform and a celebration of the festival of lights during the Indian New Year. A multi-cultural festival, Diwali promises to engage artists and people from different backgrounds and specialties. Raised in Mumbai, Chokhani…

Nikkei Matsuri: A celebration of Japanese heritage

Joining in the celebration of Japanese heritage, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre will be holding the annual Nikkei Matsuri Summer Festival from September 1–2. Roger Lemire, Nikkei Centre’s executive director, shares his experience with various cultural aspects. He first explains what the term “matsuri” means to him. “It basically means festival. And in…

Chocolate tasting workshops

Chocolatier and sommelier Geoseph Domenichiello will be hosting workshops on chocolate tasting July 29 and Aug. 20 in order to offer Vancouverites a new perspective on chocolate. Domenichiello has worked as a sommelier since 2007, trying to bridge the gap between good quality chocolate and consumer. While developing his styles as a sommelier, he noticed…

A festival of Russian friendship

Alik Schastlivenko wants to tell Canadians about his country. He wants to hear about Canada too and about other countries, about the food, music, dancing, and culture that make all people who they are. “When we open our eyes and ears and try to be a little bit flexible,” says Schastlivenko, “we can understand each…

Questioning the role of museums

“Mythmaking,” the theme for this year’s Indian Summer Festival will focus on storytelling, the human imagination, and how both of those affect how people and society function. How sharing stories and memories – and which ones are chosen to be shared – are crucial, and one of the keys to how people shape their histories…

Pakistan Festival: a celebration of music, food and dance

Culture lovers can taste Pakistan’s best cuisine, and experience its fashion and music during the Pakistani Festival at Georgia Street Plaza on Sunday July 8. With musical performances and a fashion show, the free event is a great opportunity for the Vancouver public to get to know Pakistan’s rich cultural traditions. Unity The Pakistani people…

VANCAF showcases local comic creator community

VANCAF, the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival, is a free two-day celebration of comic and graphic arts held at the Roundhouse Community Centre May 19–20. With a line-up full of Vancouver artists, as well as international artists, the festival shines a light on the growing comic book community here in Vancouver. This year’s festival features local…

Accidental tattoo artists

The Vancouver Tattoo and Culture show will be at Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada Place, Hall C on Apr. 20–22. With almost everyone nowadays having at least one tattoo, it is hard to believe a time when being a tattoo artist was not seen as a good profession. Two artists who saw the possibilities in…

A festival of fiddles

The cultural heritage of Maillardville, Coquitlam will be fully on display soon at Mackin Park for the Festival du bois (March 23–25), says Johanne Dumas, the festival’s managing artistic director and a festival veteran of over 20 years. “We want to celebrate everything that’s been in Maillardville over the years,” Dumas explains. “We’d be fools…

Film festival meets social engagement

The 8th Annual Vancouver South African Film Festival (VSAFF), a non-profit festival, runs at the SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts March 23–25, 2018. The event will showcase feature films and documentaries that explore the culture, history and politics of South Africa. Co-founded by Ruth and Cecil Hershler, VSAFF has the dual purpose of educating…