BC Culture Days is looking for artists in communities throughout the province to apply to be ambassadors for the event, with winners receiving $1,000 as an honorarium and activity budget for an event in their town.
“It’s open to everyone across the province, no matter how small their community,” says Nazanin Shoja, the BC Culture Days manager. “The ambassadors act as a spokesperson for Culture Days, liaise with the public, and get them engaged via social media, blogging, articles, and interviews with people.”
Last year more than 658 free Culture Days activities took place in 60 communities around B.C., giving thousands of people an opportunity to take part in hands-on, interactive arts, culture, and heritage activities for the whole family. This year’s Culture Days weekend takes place from September 29 to October 1, and Shoja says that events can take almost any shape.
“There can be workshops or tours; any kind of activity. And it can last for one hour or all weekend. It’s all about sharing and trying something new. It’s very hands-on.”
There is no restriction on what kind of artist can apply to be an ambassador, and they can be either amateur or professional. “Visual arts, performing arts, crafts: we’re looking for people who are already involved with their community and working with people, as long as they can create an activity that invites the public in,” says Shoja.
In the weeks leading up to Culture Days, ambassadors are involved with outreach to artists and cultural organizations, producing an activity for the weekend, promoting it, and acting as a spokesperson for their arts and cultural community. Applicants should have strong communications skills, be comfortable with social media, and have previous community engagement experience.
Hosting or presenting a Culture Days activity is not limited to ambassadors. “Anyone who’s interested in hosting or presenting an activity can register online in the spring, when registration opens, and be part of the provincial and national campaign,” says Shoja. “There’s always an opportunity, and we’re looking to feature anyone who’s excited and wants to share what they do.”
For more information about becoming a BC Culture Days ambassador, or to find out more about the event, go to https://bc.culturedays.ca/en.