Departments > Parks, Recreation and Community Development > Community Development > Victoria, a Cultural Capital of Canada (CCC) > Victoria International Arts Symposium

Victoria International Arts Symposium

The inaugural Symposium was held through the month of October 2006 at numerous venues in the City of Victoria. The Theme "Artists of Conscience" provided the opportunity for participants to engage in lively dialogues and debates and to celebrate art and its influence through social issues. The aim of the symposium was to support all disciplines of the arts and establish an interface between the community and the professional arts. The four day event was highlighted with international presenters, performers and panelists committed to making a positive difference through art, scholarship and activism.

Overall attendance for all the Symposium activities was near 40,000. The activities included the Artist of Conscience Galleries at 28 downtown locations; the four day Symposium (October 27-30) at the Conference Centre and the MacPherson; and 11 other related events such as lectures, theatre performances plus film and video screenings.

The Artists of Conscience Galleries not only showcased the art but also encouraged public discussion of the Symposium theme. It also acted as a promotional tool for the core Symposium at the end of the month. Attendance was high – approximately 35,000 people passed through the 28 Galleries and/or viewed the works.

The four day International Arts Symposium itself was an intense – and at times, exhilarating – exchange of ideas and opinions among the over 3,000 who participated. Based on the feedback and comments received so far, the desire for a follow up Symposium in 2008 is enthusiastic and unanimous. Some of the comments include:

"Great contacts in town and around the continent... So many Thank You's for bringing this to town and for stepping out of the comfort zone.. for growth, local, global and internal."
- local artist/social activist, on Comment Form

"The Symposium is the best arts event I have been to in Victoria. More please!"
- local resident, on Comment Card

On the Galleries:

"Extremely interesting & thought-provoking, and a wonderful setting!"

"Excellent!! I just hope it opens some people's eyes."

"This is such an amazing idea! Not just showcasing emerging artists, which is great, but showcasing their depth of social conscience, which is even greater. Good work, Victoria!"

For more details visit the Symposium website: http://www.victoriaartssymposium.com/home.php.

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