Asian Heritage Month, observed every year in May, is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.
The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2024 is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy”. This theme celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of people of Asian origin in Canada while also looking forward to the future with optimism and hopefulness. We are acknowledging the voices, stories, and achievements of people of Asian origin in Canada and recognizing their contributions to all aspects of our society, including the arts, sports and social justice.
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with B.C.’s creative industries by attending one of the many events taking place around Vancouver. Here are a few selections to check out:
The sixth Sound of Dragon Festival
May 23-26
The annual Sound of Dragon Music Festival returns to Vancouver with three genre-smashing intercultural concerts and three free community events, including music jams, workshops, and performances. Catch Mongolian throat singer Anand Avirmed and friends, Yang Xue’s Bows & Strings Dance with Vancouver Erhu Quarter, and From Chinese Winds & Percussion to Indonesian Gamelan.
Music Show by Michelle Kwan and Mary Ancheta
May 25
Music Show is a soulful concert by Chinese Canadian guzheng (plucked string instrument) player Michelle Kwan and Filipinx Canadian keyboardist Mary Ancheta.
Blending the ethereal tones of the guzheng with elements of pop and rock, Michelle and Mary will craft a unique sonic landscape that transcends cultural divides. Prepare to listen to her innovative arrangements that breathe new life into familiar melodies while introducing audiences to the enchanting sounds of this ancient instrument in unexpected contexts.
Mirage: Disused Public Property in Taiwan
From May 30
On view from May 30 at the Museum of Vancouver, Mirage: Disused Public Property in Taiwan covers 10 years of artist Yao Jui-Chung’s use of photography to expose Taiwan’s “mosquito halls”.
Starting in the 1970s, Taiwan invested in convention centres, sports facilities, schools and other public structures, only to abandon them—leaving them to breed mosquitos, waste money and add to urban decay. Yao Jui-Chung, Taiwan’s leading contemporary artist and photographer and his team, the Lost Society Document (LSD), photographed and researched these haunting modern-day ruins, showing that photography is a form of social activism.
Walang Hiya: A Night of Filipinx Poetry
May 31
Join us for Walang Hiya, an evening of filipinx poetry, hosted by artist Kimmortal. Poetry will come alive and thrive in this gathering, promising to be an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the world of spoken word as poets Tin Lorica, Ruthless, Winona Gillera and Karla Comanda take the stage to share their powerful voices. The evening will also feature a DJ set by Turtle Dreams.
Presented in partnership with Kimmortal Productions, this special event will celebrate the richness of Filipinx poetry and mark the closing of the Gallery’s Asian Heritage Month programming.
Learn more and discover other events on the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society website.
