Governor General hosts Urban Arts Forum
Wed, February 06 2008
Centre A, the Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art was honoured last week by a visit from Governor General Michaëlle Jean and her husband, Canadian filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond, for the 8th Urban Arts Forum.
In her heartfelt introduction to the forum, the Governor General said: “This initiative brings youth, decision-makers, philanthropists and community leaders together to discuss the ways art is being used to build stronger communities and neighbourhoods.”
She added that the forum, “reflects and thinks about particular situations and challenges, gives a voice to the voiceless and provides content and meaning to our citizenship. All of this to act in a spirit of solidarity.”
Maestro Fresh Wes, the godfather of Canadian hip-hop, was the special guest speaker as youth arts groups from across the city expressed both their frustrations and their dreams.
The crowd, including several recipients of the Order of Canada, was regaled by gravity defying break dancing by NOW Crew and giant videos by Projections Youth. There were several references to the fact that the meeting was taking place on traditional Coast Salish land.
The feeling in the room was summed up by Charlotte, a poet and dancer, who said, “It’s not that youth have a voice — we already know that — the point is that someone is finally listening.”
This powerful and moving event was an important step forward for young artists. Centre A looks forward to working towards a National Urban Arts Forum planned for 2009.
Centre A is a non-profit society and a federally registered charity. It is a member of the Canadian Museums Association and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Its mission is to connect people, art and ideas, bridging the local and the global.
Centre A provides an ongoing evaluation of Canada’s cultural diversity and its role as an Asia Pacific nation.
Participating in a global network, Centre A enjoys an international reputation for excellence and innovation.
The gallery is located in one of Vancouver’s oldest and most diverse downtown neighbourhoods, situated between Gastown and Chinatown, and within walking distance of many other active art spaces.
Visit Centre A at 2 West Hastings St. and for more info see: www.centrea.org or call 604-683-8326.
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