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New festival to laud Richmond's diversity

Public can enjoy multicultural performances and art pieces at Landsdowne Centre July 29
RCCS
Richmond Chinese Community Society members celebrate the the city’s new Arts and Cultural Festival with a roast pig-cutting ceremony. The pig symbolizes good luck and abundance in Asian culture. Photo by Daisy Xiong

The new Richmond Arts and Cultural Festival kicks off at Lansdowne Centre on July 29, with multicultural art and performances that celebrate Canada and its ethnic diversity.

“We launched this festival to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and the diversity of the culture of immigration in Richmond,” said Linda Li, president of Richmond Chinese Community Society (RCCS).

RCCS, the host of the festival, announced the event at its new office at 8271 Westminster Highway Wednesday.

The festival will showcase artists with different backgrounds and introduce traditional performances from different cultures, said Li.

“Performances will include the Lion Dance, Gu Zen musical performance, Korean traditional drum play, entertaining Japanese Taiko, classical Indian dance and Chinese magical face-mask performances given by artists from China.”

Paintings from artists around the world will be on display in the public outdoor plaza near Lansdowne Canada Line Station.

And 40 booths from organizations such as  the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society and Vancouver Hanfu Culture Society will be inside the mall.

“We believe art to be a crucial aspect of our lives, as it speaks for our soul,” said Li. “It crosses all boundaries and speaks one language.”

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.