Vaughan Celebrates Asian Heritage Month With Free Cultural Exhibits And Events
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The City of Vaughan will present free cultural performances and display traditional arts and crafts by Vaughan’s Asian community groups in recognition of Asian Heritage Month during the month of May. Events are scheduled at the Vaughan Arts Space, located at Maple Community Centre, 10190 Keele Street, and Vellore Village Community Centre, 1 Villa Royale Avenue.
The Vaughan Arts Space will showcase a cultural exhibit May 18-31, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items on display include: colourful handcrafted South Asian crafts, including painted bowls, glass works and textile banners by Human Endeavour; beading and textiles used in traditional South Asian wedding attire; handcrafted origami sculptures by the The First Chinese Seniors Association of Vaughan, and collages of Asian landscapes and watercolour and ink scroll paintings by the Federation of Chinese Canadians.
At Vellore Village Community Centre, Yoga for Seniors sponsored by the Elspeth Hayworth Centre, will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the month, offering older adults guided relaxation techniques and healing practices. On Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m., Human Endeavour will end the month-long festivities with the sights and sounds of South Asian Heritage Celebrations! Held in the facility’s cafetorium, the annual event delights visitors with the experience of cultural performances, displays and an awards ceremony in which Human Endeavour recognizes the individuals, groups and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community.
In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate the month of May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of East, South, Southeast and Western Asian Canadians, their descendants and their contribution to the social, economic, cultural and political life in Canada. The celebration of Asian Heritage Month aligns with the City of Vaughan’s Diversity Strategy, approved by Council in 2010 to support opportunities for creative cultural expression and dialogue within the City.
For more information, contact Mirella Tersigni, Culture and Community Development Coordinator, Cultural Services at 905-832-8500 ext. 8459.