Culture Days

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Culture Days: Create, Share and Celebrate

Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Beginning at the end of each September, Culture Days invites the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in communities. Last year, Culture Days reported participation from a record 3.8 million people, with more than 3,000 events and 1,000 organizers, making it the most attended in the organization’s history.

Richmond is recognized annually as a Top 10 participating community, and in 2022, more activities were organized in Richmond than any other community in BC.

The purpose of Culture Days events are to provide the public barrier-free opportunities to participate in arts and cultural experiences, with the aim of inspiring continued future involvement in the cultural life of local communities.

Richmond Culture Days 2023

September 22 – October 15

As Culture Days returns with free in-person and online activities, people from coast to coast to coast will celebrate creativity everywhere and every way. Over these three weeks, dozens of Richmond artists and arts organizations will offer inspiring interactive events and behind-the-scenes access to a wide range of art forms and creative practices.

Richmond Cultural Centre will be a hub for this year’s Culture Days starting with the opening ceremony and kick-off weekend on September 23 and 24 from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free and no registration is required.

In-Person Events and Activities

I Love Endangered Species
Ming Yeung
Sep 22 – Oct 15
City Centre Community Centre, 5900 Minoru Blvd
Enjoy beautiful portrayals of the world’s most endangered species by artist Ming Yeung, and grab a DIY craft kit to take home and complete.
Drop-in

International Mail Art Exhibition and Fundraiser
Richmond Art Gallery
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate
Explore the beauty of mail art, an artistic movement centred on sending and sharing small-scale works through the postal service. Artists from all over the world have contributed postcard-size artworks.
Drop-in

Intricately Woven – Paintings and Installation by Su Xiang
Lipont Gallery
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Lipont Gallery, 4211 No. 3 Road
The exhibition will showcase Vancouver-based artist Su Xiang’s medium-to-large scale monotonic acrylic paintings and installations.
Drop-in

Community Exhibition: O Zone Photo Documentation Project
City of Richmond Archives at Minoru Hall Gallery
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate
Check out nearly 2,000 images of the O Zone documenting all 17 days of activities during the 2010 Olympics, as well as the Olympic Torch Relay through Richmond.
Drop-in

Pop-Up Art Shows
Steveston Historical Society
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Steveston Museum and Post Office, 3811 Moncton Street
Check out works of art by local artists. September: John Beatty and The Wednesday Studio. October: Marsha Hoggan, Denise Nichol and Jeremy Nichol.
Drop-in

Restoring Tram Car 1220
Steveston Tram
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Steveston Tram, 4011 Moncton Street
Climb aboard one of the original trams that ran on Richmond’s rail system from 1913-1958. Every weekend there will be a new art project related to the tram that visitors can create and take home.
Drop-in

Sonja Ahlers: Classification Crisis
Richmond Art Gallery
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate
Explore artist Sonja Ahler’s exhibition that includes zines, poetry, installations, excerpts from her personal archive, and a decade-plus worth of works.
Drop-in

Art Wall Exhibit
Thompson Community Association Art Committee
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Avenue
Enjoy and support unique creations made by community members including painting, drawings, photographs and textile pieces.
Drop-in

Hope and Healing Canada
Tracey-Mae Chambers
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Richmond Cultural Centre, Rotunda, 7700 Minoru Gate
Visit Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers’ site-responsive art installation composed of red yarn, part of a larger series presented across Canada and the United States. The artist’s project aims to broach the subject of decolonization with viewers and help bridge the gap between settlers and Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people.
Drop-in

Community Art Exhibition: Treasure Hunt
Richmond Art Gallery at City Hall Galleria
Sep 22 – Oct 15
Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road
This community art exhibition celebrates the unique treasures in everyday moments and everyday spaces.
Drop-in

Date Movie: Around the Year, Around the Clock... at the Movies (Part 1)
Ron Reed
Sep 22 – Oct 8
Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate
This six-hour movie mash-up features 1,800 clips from 700 different films, representing countries around the globe.
Drop-in

Garden Time: Lumen Printing Drop-In Workshop
Aaron Friend Lettner
Fri, Sep 22, 10:00am–2:00pm
The Sharing Farm, 2771 Westminster Hwy
Join artist Aaron Friend Lettner for a drop-in workshop on Lumen Printing and learn how to make photographic images with plants and sunlight.
Drop-in

Harvest Moon Culture and Celebration
Lei Tian
Fri, Sep 22, 7:00–8:30pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join this cultural workshop for interactive learning, moon cake tasting and photo opportunities to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Advance registration required; limited spaces

Community Art Exhibition: The Return of Art School
Richmond School District No. 38 Teachers
Fri, Sep 22 – 25
Richmond Cultural Centre, Upper Rotunda Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate
Experience the enchanting world of art, as teachers and staff from the Richmond School District highlight their own creativity in this group art exhibition.
Drop-in

Weaving Lives Together: Collective Paper Weaving Project
Mariana Frochtengarten
Fri, Sep 22, 10:00am–3:00pm
Tait Riverfront Community Park, 10255 River Drive
Paint and learn basic paper weaving techniques in this hands-on workshop.
Drop-in

Xiang of China（中国香) of Thousands of Years - Aromatic, Calm and Graceful
Hosted by JJW Aromas
Multiple dates and times
JJW Aromas Studio, Citadel Crescent
JJW Aromas will present its beauty in irresistibly amazing fragrances, making skills and ceremonies.
Drop-in

Chinese Ink and Brush Arts
Chinese Ink and Brush Society
Sat, Sep 23, 12:00–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza, 7700 Minoru Gate
Learn how to write Chinese calligraphy through artistic styles and brush techniques.
Drop-in

Cinderella's Enchanting Meet & Greet
Gateway Theatre
Sat, Sep 23, 11:30am–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza, 7700 Minoru Gate
Enjoy a dazzling encounter with Cinderella, where families can meet and take photos with the princess.
Drop-in

Community Roots Mural Painting
Laura Kwok
Sat, Sep 23, 11:30am–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join Richmond-based artist Laura Kwok in painting a mini-mobile mural in this hands-on workshop to inform a new mural for the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex.
Drop-in

Creating: Sudoku Quilt & Sock Buddies
Textile Arts Guild of Richmond
Sat, Sep 23, 12:00–4:00pm
Richmond Arts Centre, Fabric Arts Studio, 7700 Minoru Gate
Help design a community quilt based on a Sudoku puzzle. And kids: learn to sew by making your own Sock Buddy from recycled materials.

Drop-in & pre-registration available

Kite Tales
Richmond Museum
Sat, Sep 23, 10:30am–4:00pm
Richmond Museum, 7700 Minoru Gate
Learn about the history and design of kites while creating your very own kite to take home. Perfect for all ages.
Drop-in

Seniors Acting Out
Platinum Players
Sat, Sep 23, 2:00–3:30pm; Tue, Oct 3, 2:30–4:00pm
Minoru Centre for Active Living, 7191 Granville Avenue
Get ready to laugh with the Platinum Players as they rehearse for the fall season. The audience will be invited to read with them as well or can just sit back and enjoy.
Drop-in

Let's Make Mail Art
Richmond Art Gallery
Sat, Sep 23, 1:00–4:00pm
Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate
Gallery staff will demonstrate some basic techniques for participants to develop postcard-sized artworks using a variety of materials.

Drop-in - limited spaces

Let's Rock Together
Richmond Gem and Mineral Society
Sat, Sep 23, 10:00am–3:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza & Lapidary Studio, 7700 Minoru Gate
Try your hand at creating a simple necklace, bookmark or ring; test your knowledge about rocks; and observe jewellery being created in silversmithing.
Drop-in

Plein Air Painting
Richmond Artists Guild
Sat, Sep 23, 12:00–2:30pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join this friendly painting session and watch how a plein air painting is created step-by-step.
Drop-in

Richmond Clothing Repair Fair
City of Richmond & Textile Arts Guild of Richmond
Sat, Sep 23, 12:00–4:00pm
Richmond Arts Centre, Fabric Arts Studio, 7700 Minoru Gate
Extend the life of your clothing by having it repaired by an expert.

Drop-in & pre-registration available

Richmond Culture Days Opening Ceremony
City of Richmond
Sat, Sep 23, 11:00am–12:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza, 7700 Minoru Gate
Hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie, this year's ceremony features an Indigenous welcome and song, speeches, free drop-in activities, artist talks, demos, exhibitions and more.
Drop-in

Richmond on the Rocks
Canadian Rock Paintings Association
Sat, Sept 23, 11:00am–5:00pm; Sun, Sep 24, 11:00am–5:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Rotunda & Rooftop Garden, 7700 Minoru Gate
This exhibition celebrates the fusion of art and culture through the beauty of rock painting.
Drop-in

Visitors' Portraits
Richmond Photo Club Society
Sat, Sep 23, 12:00–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Rooftop Garden, 7700 Minoru Gate
Families, children and individuals are all invited to have their portraits taken.
Drop-in

Richmond Potters' Club Shares Their Love of Clay
Richmond Potters' Club
Sat, Sep 23, 11:30am–4:00pm; Sun, Sep 24, 10:30am–2:30pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate
See what a day as a potter looks with demos of hand building, wheel throwing and glazing of artistic creations.
Drop-in

Richmond's 2023 Writer-in-Residence Launch with Audrey Thomas
Richmond Arts Centre & Richmond Public Library
Sat, Sep 23, 12:00–1:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Attend a special event featuring a reading by celebrated author Audrey Thomas, followed by a dynamic Q&A session and more.
Drop-in

Camilli String Quartet
Community Arts Council of Richmond
Sun, Sep 24, 2:00–4:00pm
Steveston Town Square Park, 3791 Moncton Street
The outstanding Camilli String Quartet will perform a variety of musical styles, engaging the audience with witty commentary.
Drop-in

Discover Dance Day
Defy Gravity Dance Company
Sun, Sep 24, 10:00am–12:00pm (multiple classes)
Defy Gravity Dance Company, 11151 Horseshoe Way, Unit 30
Try a free ballet or jazz dance class and get a behind-the-scenes look at how a dance studio works! For ages 3-11 (different classes).

Advance registration required

Play with Paint to Make Textured Paper & Art
Jeni Chen
Sun, Sep 24, 12:00–3:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join the artist and try different tools to make textures with paint on paper, and make artwork inspired by children’s book writer/illustrator Eric Carle!
Drop-in

Richmond Public Art Bus Tour
Richmond Public Art
Sun, Sep 24, 11:00am–1:00pm
Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Rd.
Join this accessible bus tour of public art works situated around Alexandra, Bridgeport and Oval Villages.

Sold out

Screenprinting Workshop Themed for Orange Shirt Day
The Arts Conservatory
Sun, Sep 24, 11:00am–4:00pm
The Arts Conservatory, 5-12491 No. 2 Rd
Join this screen printmaking workshop to create your own shirt with various designs to choose from. Proceeds from donations benefit Urban Native Youth Association.

Drop-in. *Accepts optional pay-what-you-may donations (suggested donation of $10)

Three Perfections - The Art of Chinese Calligraphy, Painting and Poetry
Chinese Artists Association of Richmond
Sun, Sep 24, 11:00am–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Learn about the art of Chinese painting and calligraphy and take part in hands-on activities.
Drop-in

Free Portraits Service
Chung Ai Photographic Society
Sun, Sep 24, 12:00–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Rooftop Garden, 7700 Minoru Gate
Chung Ai Photographic Society is participating in this years' Culture Days
by providing free portraits on Sept 24 Sunday.
Drop-in

An Open Rehearsal with The Richmond Community Concert Band
Richmond Community Band Society
Mon, Sep 25, 7:30–9:30pm
Ivan Franko Ukrainian Hall, 5311 Francis Road
Come and listen to the group practice, and bring along a band instrument to join in (optional). Drop-in

Community Art Exhibition: Group Show
Richmond Artists Guild at the Upper Rotunda Gallery
Sep 26 – Oct 15
Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate
Richmond Artist Guild members will showcase their skills and talents through various mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and mixed media.
Drop-in

Open Chorus Rehearsals
Richmond Orchestra & Chorus Association
Tue, Sep 26, 7:30–9:30pm
Fraserview MB Church, 11295 Mellis Drive
Come sit in the audience and experience the creative process of combining multiple voices into beautiful sound that engages the senses.
Drop-in

Open Orchestra Rehearsals
Richmond Orchestra & Chorus Association
Tue, Sep 26, 7:30–9:30pm
South Arm United Church, 11051 No. 3 Road
This is a great opportunity to hear some live orchestral music and enjoy the variety of instrument sounds, harmonies, rhythms, energy and emotions that make it so special.
Drop-in

Pop-up Exhibition
Textile Arts Guild of Richmond
Tue, Sep 26, 2:00–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Come and meet the makers! The Textile Arts Guild of Richmond (TAGOR) opens its September "Show and Tell Meeting" to the public.
Drop-in

Invoking Memory that Never Sheds its Potency
Sophea Heang
Wed, Sep 27, 6:00–8:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Poet and spoken word artist, Sophea Heang will recite her latest work in this two-hour long interactive poetic experience.
Drop-in

Moon Celebration
Canada Chinese Performing Arts Society
Wed, Sep 27, 7:00–10:00pm
200-6061 No. 3 Road
Join the Huayi community choir as they sing songs and present poems that relate to the moon in honour of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.
Drop-in

Art at Work: Richmond Arts and Culture Grant Program Information Session and Application Tips
City of Richmond
Thu, Sep 28, 6:00–8:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate
Learn the basics of articulating a compelling case for your projects, creating a realistic budget, assembling relevant support materials and more.

Advance registration required

Intro to Improv
Richmond Improv Theatre Society
Thu, Sep 28, 7:00–8:30pm; Thu, Oct 5, 7:00–8:30pm
Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Avenue
Learn simple improv exercises and join the journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration.

Advance registration required. *Accepts optional pay-what-you-may donations

Open Choir Rehearsal with the Richmond Youth Honour Choir
Richmond Youth Honour Choir
Wed, Oct 4 and Wed, Oct 11 (multiple times)
Peace Mennonite Church, 11571 Daniels Road
Join an open rehearsal and learn to sing and perform while making new friends. Ages 5-19. Drop-in

Time at the Movies
Ron Reed
Wed, Oct 4, 6:30–8:00pm
Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, 100-7700 Minoru Gate
Join local artist Ron Reed for a look at how time is portrayed in popular and independent film.

Advance registration required

Date Movie Talkback / Audience Q&A: The Art of Movie Montage
Ron Reed
Thu, Oct 5, 7:00–8:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall, 7100 Minoru Gate
A chance to talk with artist Ron Reed and find out more about his project, Date Movie (Part 1), and its 19-year process and inspirations.
Drop-in

Women's Choir Open Rehearsal
The Richmond Singers
Sat, Oct 7, 1:00–3:15pm
Broadmoor Baptist Church, 8140 Saunders Road
Try singing in a community choir. No experience is necessary; you are welcome to sing along or just listen and enjoy.
Drop-in

Botanical Nature Walk
Lori Snyder and Laura Kwok
Sat, Oct 7, 1:00–3:00pm
Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join Métis herbalist Lori Snyder and Richmond-based muralist Laura Kwok for a guided nature walk around Minoru Park and Richmond City Hall to learn about local plant life, herbal remedies and more.

Advance registration required

Lost & Found
Peisen Ding, 2023 BC Culture Days Ambassador
Oct 7–12
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Visit this interactive mixed media art installation from Peisen Ding that showcases care, love and courage, and have a chance to reflect on your own lived experiences too.
Drop-in

Life Stories Painting Workshop
Peisen Ding, 2023 BC Culture Days Ambassador
Sat, Oct 7, 3:00–4:00pm; Sun, Oct 8, 3:00–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Express yourself through this painting workshop for all-ages, led by visual artist Peisen Ding.
Drop-in

Ninja X The Graphic Novel
Laura Rivera
Sat, Oct 7, 11:00am–4:00pm; Sun, Oct 8, 11:00am–4:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Rotunda, 7700 Minoru Gate
Learn about the process behind making comics and graphic novels, featuring the debut of Ninja X's fourth book.
Drop-in

The Colour of Dances
Vancouver We Dance Association
Sat, Oct 7, 1:00–2:00pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Outdoor Plaza, 7700 Minoru Gate
Enjoy a brand-new production that highlights different aspects of Chinese culture through stunning storytelling, choreography and beautiful costumes.
Drop-in

Giggles and Laughs
Richmond Improv Theatre Society
Fri, Oct 13, 7:00–8:30pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join this all-ages improv show for an unforgettable afternoon of laughter.

Drop-in; accepts optional pay-what-you-may donations

Time to Play For the Lost Time - Music Presentation
Presented by Gateway Theatre
Fri, Oct 13, 10:00–11:00am
Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Rd.
Enjoy a cross-generational presentation of music where the memories of first-generation immigrants reconnect with the youth of today.

Advance registration required

Ukulele Ensemble Open House
The Ukulele Ensemble of Steveston BC
Fri, Oct 13, 1:00–3:00pm
Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 4255 Moncton Street
Enjoy some beautiful music, sing along, craft percussion instruments, and try your hand at playing a ukulele.

Advance registration required

Botanical Self Portrait Collage Party
Laura Kwok
Sat, Oct 14, 1:00–4:00pm
Richmond Art Gallery, Program Room, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join artist Laura Kwok for a drop-in casual art party and create a self-portrait collage inspired by floral images and natural elements.
Drop-in

免費中文導覽: Chinese Language Tour
Richmond Art Gallery
Sat, Oct 14, 2:00–3:00pm
Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate
Meet the Gallery’s Curatorial Assistant, Rebecca Wang, for a guided tour of the exhibitions and discussion over a cup of tea.

Advance registration required; limited spaces

Into A River - Culture Days Hands-On Workshop
Su Xiang
Sat, Oct 14, 2:00–4:00pm
Lipont Gallery, 4211 No. 3 Road
Artist Su Xiang will teach participants how to weave on canvas and form three-dimensional artworks. Ages 12+.
Drop-in

Cycles of Nature Art Creation and Exhibition
Richmond Arts Coalition
Sat, Oct 14, 11:00am–3:00pm
Terra Nova Sharing Farm, 2771 Westminster Hwy
Professional artists will engage with the public to create “Cycles of Nature” artwork amid a backdrop of an exhibition of student-created artwork.
Drop-in

祭作舍 SSOP Acting Workshop 2023 (Cantonese)
Sacrificium Society of Production
Sat, Oct 14, 3:00–4:30pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate
Join this theatrical workshop featuring games, exercises and imagining motivation (including body, voice, emotions, etc) in a black box theatre. Ages 14+.

Advance registration required. *Accepts optional pay-what-you-may donations

JO夢坊 Theatre Staged Reading Room (Cantonese)
Sacrificium Society of Production
Sun, Oct 15, 2:00–3:30pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium, 7700 Minoru Gate
Witness a staged reading where speaking parts, stage directions and scene headings are read aloud.

Drop-in; limited spaces. *Accepts optional pay-what-you-may donations

Mosaic Firefly: Migration Stories Richmond Edition
Presented in partnership by Richmond Multicultural Community Services, Presentation House Theatre, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre and the City of Richmond
Sun, Oct 15, 3:00–4:30pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate
Richmond youth and seniors will present a final theatrical performance followed by a panel discussion with the artists and project participants who have been collaborating on this year-long project.
Drop-in