Massive multicultural potluck picnic celebrates historic art installation

Jun 26 2019, 12:01 am

Vancouver Biennale is hosting a huge community potluck in the park, bringing the city together for a night of summer fun to honour a new First Nations art installation.

The Real Canadian Potluck Picnic is an outdoor celebration and collaboration between First Nations and Vancouver’s Islamic community in Vanier Park on Thursday, June 27 from 6 to 10 pm.

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This event is meant to celebrate the many cultures and communities of Vancouver, says the president and founder of Vancouver Biennale, Barrie Mowatt.

“Our city is a magical combination of ethnicities, histories, orientations, and perspectives, all of which culminate in the vibrant community we’re so proud to be part of.”

potluck picnic

Chief Janice weaving (Vancouver Biennale)

The event will start with the ceremonial instalment of  Threads Through Time. For the first time in 200 years, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) have come together to create a massive multi-panel woven prayer rug.

First Nations community members will carry the massive prayer rug to the chain-link sculptural mosque Paradise Has Many Gates by Saudi artist Ajlan Gharem to the beat of ceremonial First Nations drumming. Members of the Islamic community will then install the art piece.

potluck picnic

Chief Buddy weaving (Vancouver Biennale)

Music and dance performances will follow from:

  • Red Fox Drum Group (powwow drums)
  • Motion Artistry (Chinese traditional dance)
  • Nori Akagi (Japanese drums)
  • Flamenco Rosario
  • Breaking Boundaries (Cumbia and Vallenato band)

Food vendors will be serving samples of worldly culinary dishes from countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, East Africa, Iran, France, India, China, Poland, Russia, Japan, Croatia, and the Bahamas.

All you need to bring are some friends and family for company, a picnic dinner of your own, lawn chairs, blankets, and be ready for a good time.

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The Real Canadian Potluck Picnic

Where: Paradise Has Many Gates at Vanier Park (Sen’ákwat village) — 1000 Chestnut St, Vancouver
When: Thursday, June 27, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Admission: FREE

Samantha PengSamantha Peng

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