Shared stories between the Aboriginal and Chinese communities in Vancouver, presented through audio montages and story boards, will be part of the Heart of the City Festival in Chinatown on:
Saturday, October 28 from 12 noon to 3 pm
Chinese Cultural Centre
50 East Pender Street
The works are a part of Storyscapes Chinatown, a community art initiative that provides opportunities to acknowledge the important places, histories, and contributions of Chinese and Aboriginal residents in Vancouver and the diverse ways these communities have come together. Storyscapes is a partnership between the City of Vancouver and KAYA (Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association), with assistance from the Musqueam Indian Band, Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee, Aboriginal Front Door Society and other community groups.
From January to May 2006, a team of two Aboriginal and two Chinese youth collected audio interviews about the interaction between the Aboriginal and Chinese communities. This unique project brought together generations and communities to build a deeper understanding of Vancouver’s cross-cultural histories.
Audio montages of selected stories are featured through a service provided by the company [murmur], which presents local stories through the telephone and websites. Two Storyscapes Chinatown signs marked with green graphics of an ear are located on light poles on Pender Street, just east and west of Carrall Street near the bus stops. These signs provide a telephone number and access code to hear the story related to that location. Stories will be offered in both English and Chinese and available at anytime during or after the festival.
As well, 23 story boards with text and photos will be on display at the Chinese Cultural Centre as part of the Heart of the City Festival, which celebrates the rich and diverse communities of the Downtown Eastside. The SUCCESS Seniors Dance Group, the Chinese Seniors Choir and musical group Zeelia (performing at 3 pm at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Garden at 578 Carrall Street) are among the other highlights on October 28. The festival will run until November 5, and showcase more than 250 artists in all.
For more information –
Storyscapes:
Helen Ma
604.871.6894
Heart of the City Festival:
Rika Uto
604.665.2274
