The countdown is on for the 2nd annual Elevate Arts Festival and culture lovers of all kinds should mark the dates and plan to spend time in the heart of Courtenay for 5 days of music, dance, art, media, puppets, fire, verse, circus, choirs, workshops, crafts, kids stuff, fiddles and so much more!
From June 4-8 Downtown Courtenay is becomes the cultural mecca it is destined to be and everyone is invited to be part of the magic!
In fact, one of the biggest questions generated by the Elevate project is “Are you the audience or are you the event?” Elevate is all about breaking barriers between culture creators and culture consumers. It’s about encouraging thinking beyond our traditional ideas of audience and artists and instead bringing creators and culture lovers together for exchange, celebration and exciting discoveries.
One of the really fun aspects of Elevate is the use of the alleys of Downtown Courtenay. Organizers are putting their energy into programming unusual spaces and places, the unexpected nooks and crannies that we miss in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Local restaurants, pubs, galleries, storefronts, halls and even the buses, round out the venue list resulting in over 20 locations where culture will be ‘elevated’.
“There are still many ways to get involved in Elevate 2013 and a quick visit to the Elevate website will show the way,” says Elevate Co-Producer Meaghan Cursons. “Have some stories or poems to share? Sign up for WordPlay! Want to paint, carve, photograph or craft up a storm in the alley? Drop us an email and pitch your idea! Want to raise your voices in song with a giant “Crowd Sing” – follow the Letzsing links and learn the tune! Want to join in on a mass hula hooping extravaganza? Bring your hula hoop!”
Co-Producer Kera McHugh adds to that list “You can also take part in workshops leading up to and during the event. Fashion conscious citizens can enter the Elevate Thrift Store Fashion Challenge. Want to build a robot entirely of trash? Enter the Arts Council Trash Art Competition! Photographers can share their pics through Photopia and film makers of all skills levels can throw their films onto the digital reel at the Elevate VidzFest. Youth artists and performers can join a youth led “Art in the Raw” Project. Want to play a little tune on the piano? Composers Corner offers the opportunity! Want to volunteer and help run an activity or look after one of the venues downtown?
Sign up today
or stop by our “Engage the Elevation” meeting
Wednesday May 22 at 7 pm at Zocalo.
The Elevate website is filled with details on these opportunities and more.
And if you just want to spectate that cool too!
Tues-Thursday check out a variety of evening activities throughout Downtown.
Friday June 7th be sure to plan to spend the early evening in the alleys for a BIG HUGE all ages community dance party.
Saturday June 8th from 10 am right through till 12 midnight plan to spend the day downtown and have discover the cultural heart of the community at work and at play. Finish off the day with an outdoor fire show then dance the night away at the Bridge Lounge!
Make it a family day. Bring the kids and explore Courtenay from a whole new perspective!
For information on Elevate, to read about the 2013 performers, exhibitors and community partners or to get involved check out www.elevatethearts.com. Check back often as the performer and exhibitor line up continues to grow and grow and grow!