Challenge your creativity at these free Canada 150 events in Metro Vancouver

An exciting Canada 150 project funded by the Canadian government and led by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress will include multiple events throughout five provinces this summer.

Coined as Youth Engaging Youth, the events are currently open to contestants and participants under the age of 30 who would like to be part of the fun. The events will bring out the best in everyone, challenging them to be creative, use different languages, raise awareness about important issues, and more.

Here are some of the experiences you can take part in that have plenty of space available right now.

#BreakTheStigma

#BreakTheStigma will include a free art exhibition from a series of photo campaigns that tackle stigma surrounding LGBTQ, HIV, racism, and mental health. The intention is to raise awareness that stigma is hurtful to others, even in jokes. Rainer Oktovianus is the photographer for this humanity campaign and started the project back in 2015.

After the exhibition, there will be a film screening This Is Gay Propaganda by Marusya Bociurkiw, a Ukrainian-Canadian filmmaker who will be present to talk about her documentary.

There will also be two guest speakers, Paola Quiros and Krusheska Quirós, with a music performance by AutoHeart.

When: Tuesday, August 8 from 6 to 9 pm
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Register: Online for free

BC Art Fest: Poetry Forum and Dance Night

Showcasing the beauty and diversity of languages and sharing cultures through art, this event is dedicated to poetry, prose, and dance – so if you’re creative then this one’s worth your time.

If you’re a young poet or writer then you’ll want to apply so you can participate and present your piece to a live audience. This will then be followed by a lively Disco Night with DJ Kookum. But what’s really cool about this event is that anyone can participate and present their poems or prose in native language, which will be translated into English or French on a screen. You can also present a famous piece, but in a creative and artistic way.

For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact [email protected].

When: Sunday, August 27 from 4 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey (location TBA)
Register: Online for free

Miss Wheelchair

This free event aims to break barriers and boost integration by showing that wheelchairs and disabilities are not a limitation. If you’re interested in participating as a contestant simply fill out a registration form. The event also aims to change the image surrounding women with disability and show that everyone is beautiful.

On the evening, the audience will be invited to participate in voting for their favourite contestant who shines the most beautifully inside and out.

For more information, click here. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact [email protected].

When: Saturday, September 2 from 5 to 7 pm
Where: Creekside Community Recreation Centre –  1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Register: Online for free

#YEY150 #UCC #Canada150