explorASIAN festival Opens with Rhythms of Indonesia

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Global EAT
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GlobalEAT - explorASIAN festival Opens with Rhythms of Indonesia
Gamelan is the traditional orchestra of the island of Java and Bali in Indonesia. The ensemble features various instruments including metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings and sometimes vocalists too. (explorASIAN)

explorASIAN returns with over 50 events to keep you entertained for the whole month of May.  Walking tour, live performances and more…

The audience was transported to wonderful Indonesia as the mystical sound of the gamelan reverberated through the SFU World Art Centre at explorASIAN launch on April 27.

“At a time when divisiveness is rearing its head in the world at large, explorASIAN continues to celebrate the strengths arising from cultural diversity and shared goals,” said president of Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society, Leticia Sanchez in a news statement.

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada.  The annual event celebrates the contributions of Canadians of Asian descent .  Individuals and communities who helped make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation.   

Vancouver City Hall will be illuminated in red on May 1st to commemorate the start of Asian Heritage Month.

Speaking at the explorASIAN launch was Wade Grant of the Musqueam Indian Band, Minister of State for Trade George Chow, Vancouver City Councillor Rebecca Bligh, and Member of Parliament Hedy Fry.

The annual event is one of Metro Vancouver’s longest-running arts and cultural festivals. It promotes understanding and appreciation of Asian-Canadian arts and culture, and is held every May in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month.

Its’ 23rd edition features more than 50 events, activities and performances throughout Metro Vancouver.  The festival is produced in collaboration with a diverse range of partners.

GlobalEAT - explorASIAN festival Opens with Rhythms of Gamelan
A historical stroll through Vancouver’s downtown eastside neighbourhoods. (explorASIAN)

2019 Event Highlights

  • Cross-cultural walking tour:  A stroll through Vancouver’s downtown eastside neighbourhoods. The tour explores the history of early immigrant communities (Black, Jewish, Japanese, Chinese).
  • Live performances: Indian classical dance and flamenco music, Iranian folk music and drama.
  • Arts and craft demonstrations: Calligraphy, ceramics, ikebana, batik painting and photography
  • Film screening:  When the Storm Fades

explorASIAN will conclude with a Recognition Awards Gala on June 7.  The gala will recognize outstanding community leaders and organizations that have contributed significantly to Asian cultural diversity in Vancouver and beyond.  More event info: https://explorasian.org

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