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Arts and Culture > Outdoor Performance Venues > Centennial Square > Victoria's Spirit Square (in Centennial Square) About Spirit Square Victoria's Spirit Square is designed to make Centennial Square more inviting to the general public and increase opportunities for celebrations and concert events. On July 23, 2009, the community celebrated the grand opening of Victoria's Spirit Square. Festivities included multicultural performances by the Esquimalt Dance Group, Lion Dance Group, Organized Khaos Percussion Ensemble, and the Unity Drummers, followed by the unveiling and blessing of two First Nations Spirit Poles. Families dropped by the children's tent for free face painting and fun activities and enjoyed live music by the Peter Dent Trio and the Kennedy Brothers who performed on the new stage. Spirit Square Design Victoria's Spirit Square includes three key components: Spirit Beach - a canopied turn-key performance stage which will accommodate small and medium size events and markets
Spirit Garden - a restful place to experience two First Nations Spirit Poles, a sculptured drinking water ladle feature and native plant garden Spirit Plaza - the area in between that will be enhanced by new lighting, landscaping and outdoor furnishings. The Square's open design and improved lighting make the Square safer and more visually appealing. Site improvements and additional infrastructure encourage greater use of the venue for outdoor festivals, and help support Victoria's arts and cultural community. The fountain in Centennial Square remains intact. Every great city has a dynamic public square where people of all ages gather for quiet contemplation, play or celebrations. Victoria' Spirit Square is an important step in the City's overall plan to rejuvenate the north end of downtown. Local architect Bill Pechet of Pechet and Robb Studio, and landscape architect Joe Daly, collaborated to create the artistic and unique design for Victoria's Spirit Square. For more information on Bill Pechet, visit: www.pechetandrobb.com Victoria's Spirit Square is located within Centennial Square, a public gathering space located next to Victoria City Hall at the corner of Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue. Spirit Poles Butch Dick was nominated by Chief Robert Sam of the Songhees Nation and Chief Andy Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation, to design and carve two, 5.5-metre (18-foot) cedar Spirit Poles to serve as a gateway to the Square's native plant garden. Titled Two Brothers, one pole was designed and carved by Butch Dick with the assistance of his son Bradley, and the other was designed and carved by his son Clarence. Both poles are fashioned after traditional Coast Salish house posts.
Brother #1 - by Butch Dick, Lekwungen Master Carver The wolf is a powerful, matriarchal animal within First Nations culture and has many powerful teachings within an extended family. Sea otters were often part of traditional house poles and symbolize strength for those who are in need of spiritual guidance. The Grandmother Moon, encompassed by the otters, constantly watches over us and is a reminder to all to conduct themselves in a respectful manner that is fitting to their family and community.
Brother #2 - by Clarence Dick Jr., Lekwungen/Mamalilikulla Carver Each west coast blanket had its own teaching and understanding behind it and was often attached to a significant event. Made of mountain goat wool and dog fur, blankets were given to individuals who had earned the right to wear them - disciplined and acknowledged as leaders by the communities. Xe'els wears a blanket to signify his accountability to the community. The raven played an important role in how the world was shaped in the north western First Nations communities. Also known as a trickster, the raven wove his teaching throughout the lands and history. Ravens were highly intelligent beings and were mischievous, often finding their ways into other creatures' worlds. The bottom figure is a mink, which shared the same attributes as the raven. Mink travelled throughout what is now known as Vancouver Island, teaching and showing what valuable resources each community was connected to and what their responsibilities were. Partners The project is made possible by the BC Spirit Square program, launched by the Ministry of Community Services (now Community and Rural Development) in 2006, to support the creation or improvement of town squares or open spaces in communities throughout British Columbia. The Province contributed the maximum amount of $500,000, which the City matched with additional funds to meet the vision of the design, for a total cost of $1.65 million. BC Spirit Squares was part of BC150, an initiative that planned activities and events as part of British Columbia's 150th anniversary as a Crown Colony. For more information on the BC Spirit Square program, visit: www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca Contact Us For more information or to book space in Victoria's Spirit Square or Centennial Square, contact: City of Victoria
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