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Fine Arts Society receives grant for Culture Days

Thanks to provincial funding, the Bonnyville and District Fine Arts Society will be hosting a culture days people won’t want to miss.
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Thanks to provincial funding, the Bonnyville and District Fine Arts Society will be hosting a culture days people won’t want to miss.


Alberta Tourism has announced the fine arts society as one of the host communities for Alberta Culture Days, a province-wide arts and culture celebration.


As part of putting on a local event, the fine arts society will receive $8,000 in provincial funding, out of the $200,000 set aside by Alberta Tourism.


The Bonnyville Alberta Culture Days will take place Sept. 28 to 30 at the Lyle Victor Albert Centre. It will feature a wide-array of performances from cultural groups in the Lakeland.


“We want to include everybody,” explained society board member Ian Perry. “A lot of the focus is on the local community. We are hoping to have significant involvement with the various communities.”


Some local groups participating in the event include the Ukranian dancers, the Bonnyville Singers, and powwow dancers.


Rosa John, artistic director for the Kehewin Native Dance Theatre, wrote the grant application on behalf of the fine arts society.


“One of the things we were really gearing toward was the reconciliation and trying to bring the communities together,” she explained.


Bringing the communities together was important for both parties when applying for the grant, and making the event an inclusive one to everyone.


Introducing residents to different cultures through the arts can help explain the histories of each group, and teaches residents about all the things each culture has to offer.


“It’s important to acknowledge our differences, and celebrate them,” expressed Perry. “Having the opportunity to do this in our community, in the theatre, with government support, is spectacular.”


John noted that Bonnyville has a rich cultural environment, and each group has a lot to offer to the Alberta Culture Days event.


The fine arts society saw the grant as an opportunity to expand on events they’ve already done locally.


“It wasn’t something we could possibly take a pass on. It’s exactly the kind of thing we’ve wanted to do, and have been doing through the fine arts society,” Perry expressed.


On Friday, Sept. 28, opening ceremonies, a cultural showcase, and a performance by the Kehewin Native Dance Theatre will kick-off the festivities. Saturday will have an arts and crafts centre, teepee storytelling, and performances throughout the day. A fashion show and a feast will wrap it up. A cultural showcase starting at noon on Sunday, and another performance by the Kehewin Native Dance Theatre will close the Alberta Culture Days celebration.


For more information visit the Bonnyville and District Fine Arts Society on Facebook.

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