200+ ATTENDEES GATHERED FOR AN
EVENING OF CULTURAL FESTIVITIES
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On August 9th, Saint Peter's Parish successfully debuted the first "TOGETHER" event, a community-wide, free cultural concert series featuring 6 diverse performances spanning multiple art forms. Attendees gathered at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre to enjoy an evening of dance, music, song, and poetry.
The concert program featured six diverse cultural performances. Highlights included Bollywood Fusion dance by The South Coast Dancers, a poetry recitation by Nanaimo's Poet Laureate Kamal Parmar, Japanese Taiko Drumming from Shachihoko Taiko, energetic Latin American musical selections featuring instruments like the Paraguayan Harp and Charango, Gregorian Chanting by the Saint Peter's Choraschola, and traditional Chinese dances and opera. |
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In addition to the performances, the event marked the launch of a newly commissioned work of altar artwork created by local artist Audrey Boy, titled "The Promise is a River Beginning Where It Ends." This work will be the first art installation of future ones to come at Saint Peter's Parish, with the goal of supporting local artists and making the church a space where anyone is welcome to encounter artistic beauty. During the intermission, guests enjoyed the art exhibit as well as a historical archives display that was presented by Saint Peter’s Archivist.
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Photographer Jay McDonnell, @media_by_jae
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TOGETHER, set to become an annual event, aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural and artistic expressions. Saint Peter's has recognized the growing need for events fostering intercultural appreciation and unity in Nanaimo, one of Canada's fastest-growing cities. The parish believes such events are crucial in helping newcomers feel welcomed and valued within the community.
“Our hope is that the attendees not only took away the beauty of these diverse performances and art forms, but that their experience will prompt a deepened desire and commitment to foster truly welcoming spaces, both in the church and around the city,” said Maria Clemotte, Parish Coordinator at Saint Peter’s. “I am excited to see how this event expands in the future.” |
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Saint Peter's Parish extends its gratitude to the TOGETHER sponsors for their generous support as well as all the performers, artist, archivist, volunteers, and attendees for making this event such a success.
Sponsors Chatwin Engineering Inc. Seller Financed BTTR Marketing Own Today Mortgages Lost Treasure Entertainment Bayside Oceanfront Resort |
“There is a greater depth to these types of events than we always realize at face value. I feel that this type of thing will benefit our community and the greater world with deeper appreciation for each other’s humanity and the peace that comes from “seeing” each other.” TOGETHER Attendee |
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