Welcome to the 8th Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival!
The Downtown Eastside is the founding neighbourhood where Vancouver began and is home for thousands of residents. To celebrate the city’s 125th anniversary, we are telling stories of our past and present as we reach out to build our community. In the words of poet and historian the late Sandy Cameron, “each of us has something to tell, something to teach.” And we invite you to join us.
Since time immemorial stories have been told on this land and they are still being told today – in all kinds of traditions and forms: as paintings, poetry, songs and ceremonies … words and walks, workshops and talks … as memories, murals, jazz and media … from hip hop, rap, dance to opera … from food and clothes to celebration … from cultural expressions to cultural fusions.
The over 100 events in this year’s festival offer an astonishing testament to the talent, wisdom and power of this community and its capacity to give voice to the concerns of today and the heritage of yesterday; to celebrate our diversity and achievements; to honour those we have lost; to stretch out a hand to neighbours across the city and the province; and to advocate for our visions and dreams. May the stories of our festival provide understanding and inspiration as together we build our future, in the heart of our city.
Our immense appreciation goes to all the festival partners, organizations and individuals who have helped to realize this year’s festival. A special heartfelt thanks to the festival team who work with such passion and commitment to produce this cultural feast for our community.
See you at the festival everyone!
Terry Hunter
Executive Director, Vancouver Moving Theatre
Artistic Producer, DTES Heart of the City Festival
Savannah Walling
Artistic Director, Vancouver Moving Theatre
Associate Artistic Director, DTES Heart of the City Festival
The Carnegie Community Centre Association is once again thrilled to welcome all of Vancouver to the 8th annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival!
Carnegie Centre is proud to be the home-away-from-home of so many very talented Downtown Eastside artists. Through them, we are able to share the authenticity and good-neighbourliness that underlies our approach to all the hardships we face. Through Vancouver Moving Theatre and the Heart of the City Festival, we remember our history, celebrate our strengths, and look toward a future that honours the best of what we are. Thank you all for being a part of that journey.
Enjoy the festival and the hospitality of the Downtown Eastside!
Gena Thompson, President
Carnegie Community Centre Association