The fifth annual Alberta Culture Days are set to take place Sept. 28 to 30 across the province. All communities, governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals are encouraged to get involved.
To encourage participation, help foster new relationships and increase access to cultural experiences, the province is supporting Alberta Culture Days Celebration Sites in 38 communities. Sixty-four community organizations will share a total of $375,000 to assist with planning and coordinating the events. In the City, the Red Deer Arts Council was selected to lead the planning and coordination of activities. They will present a multitude of events, workshops and performances that showcase culture.
“Alberta Culture Days is about family, community, diversity and cultural vibrancy. It’s a celebration of everything great about this province,” said Heather Klimchuk, minister of culture. “We’re hoping the leadership shown by the Celebration Sites will inspire even more Albertans to get involved.”
Each organization receiving support will partner with others in their community to present free, family-friendly events and cultural activities throughout the Culture Days weekend. Host Celebration Sites will present programming for two days and Feature Celebration Sites will present programming for all three days and stage a main event.
“While the Celebration Sites Grant is now closed for this year, communities and organizations are still encouraged to consider hosting an event in celebration of local culture,” added Klimchuk. “Participation not only helps to strengthen community spirit and showcase local talent, but it’s also an opportunity to boost the impact and reach of existing cultural programming.”
Anyone interested in hosting an event should visit www.albertaculturedays.ca.
The site features a number of event planning resources and customizable promotional tools. Also, those that register their events on the Alberta Culture Calendar will benefit from a provincial marketing and communications campaign.
Culture connects us to our past and our diverse traditions, to our personal and collective imaginations, to one another, and to the place we all call home.
Share the experience of Alberta Culture Days. Join, volunteer for or plan an event that showcases your community’s unique talents, pride and passions.
Last year, 93 communities hosted 1,046 events.
Alberta Culture Days, formerly known as Alberta Arts Days, is helping to achieve the goals of the province’s cultural policy, The Spirit of Alberta. It is also part of the national Culture Days movement.
– Fawcett
