Culture Days in Canada

In towns and cities across Canada, Culture Days, a pan-Canadian cultural movement, will be held from September 30th to October 2nd, 2011.  The event is aimed at raising awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and culture of their local communities. Participants have the opportunity to witness behind-the-scenes presentations and take part in interactive activities that promote the arts and celebrate local artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.

The movement began in 2010 with over 700 Canadian towns and cities participating in supporting their local cultural communities. This year, even more have joined the movement, creating new activities to support the arts - many featuring Canada's extraordinary historic places. Across the country venues such as heritage gardens, houses, and theatres will be open to receive visitors allowing them to experience what makes these unique places special. Culture Days 2011 will be filled with creative and interactive activities supporting the arts and culture of local communities and will provide greater access to our country's exceptional places.

We start our cross-country culture tour in Richmond, British Columbia for an inside look at how to restore your family's treasures and antiques as well as an exclusive "Artifact Storage Tour" of Richmond Museum, conducted by the museum's curator. While taking part in this activity, participants can also enjoy the nearby Minoru Park.  This urban park is home to the picturesque Minoru Chapel, constructed in 1891, as well as Pierrefonds Gardens, loosely based on French formal garden design principles of the Renaissance.  The chapel and gardens are designated municipal historic places which local citizens and visitors alike can enjoy and both contribute to the rich cultural life of the city.

Continuing on, we stop off in Swift Current, Saskatchewan for a chance to visit the historic Lyric Theatre.  Originally built as a vaudeville theatre in 1912, it has a long history of serving the community's cultural and entertainment needs.  During Culture Days, a tea tour of the theatre is offered along with the chance to watch motion pictures from the past.  Just as crowds once filled the auditorium of this celebrated structure designed by a local architect, a century later people continue to gather and enjoy the cultural events offered in this venue.

Ottawa, Canada's national capital, is also an active participant in Culture Days, opening some of its most famous places to host activities for the movement. The National Arts Centre (NAC) National Historic Site of Canada will host many interactive activities and workshops for the public including free performances, a photography exhibit, backstage visits and the opportunity to sit in on rehearsals! The NAC stands in the centre of Ottawa on the banks of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is part of the impressive streetscape surrounding Confederation Square National Historic Site of Canada. The NAC is nationally recognized as a major cultural and architectural achievement for our country and its role as a performing arts centre will be front and centre during Culture Days.

Next stop is a trip to the Maritimes.  Eager to present its rich, unique culture and heritage to the rest of Canada through their special historic places, the area of Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador is planning various special activities for its Culture Days participants.  The town of Brigus is welcoming people to visit Landfall, also known as Kent Cottage, an early 19th century residence located along the rocky windswept shores of Brigus Harbour.  It was in this house that several different artists dwelt during the first half of the 20th century.  Inspired by the wild coastal landscape, much of their work featured local scenes and landmarks.  Today, the house is privately owned and continues to welcome working artists but is open to the general public to explore during Culture Days perhaps inspiring the next generation of artists to create works reflecting the area's cultural and natural heritage. 

Culture Days is a movement celebrating Canada's rich and diverse cultures from coast to coast. Whether it is learning how to preserve artifacts or attending dress rehearsals, this event gives Canadians the opportunity to appreciate the talent of our arts community. From small towns to big cities, Canada's multifaceted and distinctive cultural history is all around us and you are invited to take part in the artistic and cultural life of your community. Culture Days relies on participation so take full advantage of this unique movement and check out the special activities happening in your town to appreciate local culture!