2023 West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest | Sponsorship Report

2023 COMMUNITY CULTURAL FEST

West Vancouver

A celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make up West Vancouver, Community Cultural Fest is a unique opportunity to create connections and strengthen our community.

The two-day festival invited the community to Ambleside Park to showcase the various cultural backgrounds of those living, working and playing in West Vancouver.

Through food, art, music, dance, games, and interactive cultural pavilions attendees honoured the community’s rich heritage and vibrant future.

FESTIVAL OVERVIEW

220

VOLUNTEER HOURS CONTRIBUTED

75%

INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS

We acknowledge that the West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation).

We recognize and respect them as nations in this territory, as well as their historic connection to the lands and waters around us since time immemorial. We understand that we have a responsibility to seek out and build authentic relationships with Indigenous artists to share their knowledge and wisdom to influence our practice. As part of this process, we remain committed to engaging with, welcoming, and supporting Indigenous artists and audiences.

For 2023 the West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest, the Indigenous Pavilion, generously sponsored by CN, featured carving and workshops in wool weaving and medicine bag making.

Senaqwila Wyss, a member of the Squamish Nation, guided attendees through the captivating journey of Salish Woolly Dogs and had a wood bracelet workshop.

Ha7lh skwayel, Spelexilh kwi en sna, Anjeanette Dawson, an Indigenous Educator and traditional wool weaver from the Squamish Nation, shared her extensive knowledge of wool weaving.

CULTURAL PAVILIONS

Created by West Vancouver residents and local community groups or businesses, the Cultural Pavilions made up the heart and soul of the festival. Each pavilion host volunteered their time, energy and resources to create engaging and interactive displays. They shared the history, games, foods, art, music, and so much more from their home countries. Opportunities for pavilion organizers to interact with other pavilions also created wonderful opportunities for cross-cultural understanding.

FEATURED PAVILIONS

• CHINA

• COLOMBIA

• FRANCOPHONE/FRANCOPHILE

• INDIA

• INDIGENOUS PAVILION

• IRAN

• JAPAN

• KOREA

• POLAND

• RWANDA

• TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

• WELSH SOCIETY

• WEST COAST

THIS LIVELY AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY EVENT INVITES EVERYBODY TO WEST VANCOUVER TO CELEBRATE THEIR CULTURE THROUGH SHARING TRADITIONAL FOODS, CUSTOMS, AND PERFORMANCES.

— Christie Rosta, Cultural Services Manager

PERFORMING ARTS

The festival featured three stages where a variety of cultural performances took place throughout the two- day festival. Impromptu performances also took place along the Walkway of Nations, and at Cultural Pavilions.

MAIN STAGE

Live music performances, inspired by music from around the world was featured on the Main Stage. This included Coco Jafro’s fusion of AfroFunk-Latin-Soul, Non Sweet’s J-Pop energy, and the classic reggae stylings of Mostly Marley.

DANCE STAGE

The TD Dance Stage showcased local dance groups performing a wide variety of dances from around the world, including Scottish dancing, Bulgarian folk dance, traditional Mexican dancers, Ukrainian dancers, and the Brazilian Swag Dance Group.

PERFORMANCE STAGE

Students from West Vancouver Schools’ elementary and secondary school music programs shared their love of music with attendees. This stage featured bands of various sizes and musical genres, as well as choir performances.

KIDS’ ZONE

Created as a place for families to explore, learn, and play, the Kids’ Zone offered activities for the young and the young at heart! This included a zip line, circus activities, arts and crafts, and activities organized by local sports organizations.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

• VANCOUVER CIRCUS SCHOOL

Workshops

• WEST VANCOUVER FIELD HOCKEY CLUB

An opportunity to try playing and practice some field hockey skills.

• ZIP‑LINE

• WEST VANCOUVER FOOTBALL CLUB

Drills and small soccer games

• WEST VANCOUVER MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

People practiced their shots and learned more about hockey on the North Shore.

• ARTS AND CRAFTS ACTIVITIES

INTERNATIONAL FOOD

No festival would be complete without food, and West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest provided a wide variety of foods from around the world. Food vendors served up sushi, Korean food, Polish dishes, raclette, Mexican mangos and so much more. A licensed event, the International Bar, supported by Toby’s Liquor Stores served up international beers, wine, and pre-mixed cocktails, all of which could be enjoyed while taking in the live entertainment on the Main Stage.

FEATURED FOOD VENDORS

• ABURI MARKET | Japanese meals and snacks

• BABA’S HOUSE | Polish dishes

• CHILANGO MANGO | Fresh mangos from Mexico

• DOLCE AMORE | Artisanal gelato

• DOS AMIGOS TEX-MEX | Tex-Mex style tacos and more

• FOOD DADDY | Persian cuisine

• FRENCHEESE | Raclette

• KIWANIS CLUB | Popcorn and cotton candy

• MAHSHIKO | Korean Dishes

• SHAMELESS BUNS | Filipino flavours

SUSTAINABILITY

ZERO-WASTE

The festival demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability throughout every aspect of the event. Through a partnership with Green Chair Recycling, the festival encouraged participants, vendors and pavilion organizers to follow comprehensive guidelines around reducing waste. Dedicated garbage, recycling, and compost stations were positioned around the site and resulted in a significant positive environmental impact.

BIKE VALET

The introduction of a free bike valet was new to the festival in 2023. This was meant to encourage people to leave their car at home and look to alternative ways of travelling to the festival. The bike valet gave them a safe space to store their bike when they arrived at Ambleside Park.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING IMPACT

The festival’s social media presence saw significant growth, with a 150% increase in followers across platforms compared to the previous year. Posts and content shared on social media platforms increased online profile reach, showcasing strong audience engagement.

7.3K

POST REACH AVERAGE

11K

INSTAGRAM PROFILE REACH

45,500+

PAGE REACH | FACEBOOK

262,000+

DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS

INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK

45,000+

WEBPAGE VIEWS

80,000+

DIGITAL DISPLAY ADS

208,000+

EVENT LISTING UNIQUE USERS REACHED

MARKETING CAMPAIGN REACH 1M+

22,000+

SENT POSTCARDS

52,000+ NEWSPAPER AD & EDITORIAL REACH

40,000+

PRINT ADS AND EDITORIAL MENTIONS

SEE YOU AT THE 2024 WEST VANCOUVER COMMUNITY CULTURAL FEST!

As West Vancouver evolves, so does its community celebrations. From Community Day to Bridge Festival, and now West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest, we continue the tradition of celebrating our community. Ambleside Park was animated throughout the twoday festival with the colours, sounds and flavours of the world, and we appreciate all who made the event possible!

A huge thank you to all our partners: sponsors, artists, pavilion organizers, volunteers, vendors, and everyone who attended. The festival would not be the same without you, and your commitment to our community.