The City of Abbotsford’s 2024 Culture City: Program Series provided a total of sixteen exciting events hosted across the community between May and November. In total, over 1,600 participants attended artist facilitated workshops, live performances, and presentations that created opportunities to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures and communities in Abbotsford.
The series was produced through a combination of City programing, open-call submissions, and partnerships with local organizations including UFV South Asian Studies Institute, UFV School of Contemporary Arts, Archway, BANDISH Network, United Way, Fraser Valley Regional Library, Heritage Abbotsford Society, and The Reach Gallery Museum. In addition to highlighting community partners, the program also supported individual artists and performers. Activities and events included:
- Selxwí:chel Arts & Culture Day
In partnership with Heritage Abbotsford Society: Indigenous-themed skills transmission event with performances, interactive crafts, and workshops from local Indigenous communities
- Kolam with Eisha Menon
Interactive outdoor kolam workshop.
- Orange Shirt Beading with Rebekah Brackett
Artist led beading workshop in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Will's Jams at Abbotsford Community Library
In partnership with Fraser Valley Regional Libraries: Bilingual French and English concert.
- Bhangra in the Park with Kulwant Sidhu
Outdoor bhangra aerobics at Mill Lake Park.
- Writing and Wellness with Sherry Duggal
Writing workshop centered on incorporating creativity into daily life to achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.
- Taste Around the World
In partnership with Archway and United Way: Food sharing event featuring cuisine from around the world prepared by local community members.
- Hoop Dancing with Jarred Genaille
Presentation on the history and significance of Hoop Dancing including live performance and participatory workshop.
- Geetan di Mehfil / South Asian Folk Music Evening
In partnership with UFV South Asian Studies Institute: Live music featuring B.C-based South Asian musicians performing lok geet (folk songs) passed through generations.
- The Raga Experience with Hriday Buddhdev & Akaaljot Singh
In partnership with BANDISH network: An illustrative presentation on the history and mechanics of the sarod and tabla including recital and artist meet-and-greet.
- Living Traditions Symposium
In partnership with the BANDISH network: Symposium including presentations on yoga, fashion, and community cultural leaders.
- Let’s Dance Kathak with Puneet Singh & Friends
In partnership with BANDISH network: Live performance, panel discussion, and participatory workshop on the classical dance form of Kathak.
- Family Fun for Diwali at Clearbrook Library
In partnership with Fraser Valley Regional Libraries: Community Diwali celebration including crafts, stories, performances, and displays.
- Beacons: An Art Walk with Luke Pardy
Participatory art walk at Mill Lake focused on the park’s current and historic presence in the community.
- Fraser Valley Zine Festival
In partnership with UFV School of Creative Arts: A celebration of the region's underground print culture including hands-on activities, and showcases from Fraser Valley artists, publishers, and collectives.
