co-presented by
in partnership with
Arts for Social Change calls on students to raise awareness about world issues through their artistic craft. Youth ages 5-25 are invited to submit an original artistic piece reflecting the Sustainable Development Goal or global issue they are committed to. Dance, music, video, spoken word, visual arts, textile arts and other art forms are used to bring public awareness and calls to action on Global Issues. Public gallery space and live presentation spots will be given to top projects.
Reconcili-Action is a 28 day festival highlighting ACTION needed in our reconciliation journey Reconcili-Action Celebrates the Art of Indigenous Peoples in the Okanagan
Many pieces of Indigenous Art are publicly available in our community. Do you know where? Join an Art Discovery Tour! Like a Treasure Hunt, there will be prizes & surprises!
Special Guest Artists: Kenny Blackfoot, Cheryl Bear & more.
Additionally, Concerts, storytelling, music, fashion, art, history & culture offer a variety of ways to learn about the beauty & complexity of Indigenous history & local protocol. This is your invitation to take ACTION & be inspired - so you can inspire others! Ticketed events are in Kelowna. Some are online, some are in person, inside and outside.
"A Taste of Home' celebrates the diverse cultures thriving in the Okanagan through a festival of ethnic foods and multicultural entertainment. 'Home', wherever that 'home' may have originally been, brings to mind the ordinary but, oh so special, foods eaten, stories told, the dances, varied musical instruments, visual art, & the gathering of extended family & neighbours.
"A Taste of Home' introduces some of the many 'homes' which together build our Okanagan community and gives 'a taste' of each! We may be reluctant to try foods from 'other' homes but at smaller sizes & very low prices we are more likely to try & they may become favourites in our own homes as well! The stage show and foyer displays include authentic mini-performances so no matter your particular taste, something will be there to match it ... & to expand it! A party for the whole community!
Join us for the 2025 Grand Finale at Okanagan College! We invite you (and your team) to tackle issues related to the 17 United Nations’ Global Goals. With guidance and support from partners and mentors, you will develop your idea into a meaningful, sustainable and feasible project to present to your community. Top teams receive funding and support to make their ideas a reality.
Join us for 10 free workshops to learn about social justice, unleash your creativity and work towards an exhibition! All skill levels are welcome!
Join us for 10 free workshops to learn about social justice, unleash your creativity and work towards an exhibition! All skill levels are welcome!
Join us for 10 free workshops to learn about social justice, unleash your creativity and work towards an exhibition! All skill levels are welcome!
Join us for 10 free workshops to learn about social justice, unleash your creativity and work towards an exhibition! All skill levels are welcome!
Don’t forget to attend the April 11th Grand Opening of the Art for Social Change exhibit at the Innovation Centre!
A three-day festival celebration of community and culture, centred around the Spring Equinox. A series of events and activities are planned from March 15-17th 2024 to celebrate First Nations Peoples in the Okanagan. Enjoy poetry, open mic, community showcase and a fun festival with smores and stories! Smores and hot chocolate are by cash donation. Bring a lawn chair and dress appropriately.
Reconcili-Action Festival 2024 Wise Words Cultural sharing through an Elder and Youth Panel, crafts and feast provided.
Reconcili-Action Open Mic Night Drumming, Poetry, Music, Fresh Bannock and Tea (cash Donation) to support KFS Elders Program
A three-day festival celebration of community and culture, centred around the Spring Equinox. A series of events and activities are planned from March 15-17th 2024 to celebrate First Nations Peoples in the Okanagan. Enjoy poetry, open mic, community showcase and a fun festival with smores and stories! Read on to find out more about the exciting events planned for this Spring. Enjoy poetry, open mic, community showcase and a fun festival with smores and stories!
Kelowna, BC. February 22nd, 2024
This live event will inspire as student team finalists showcase their projects aligned with the SDGs, alongside captivating youth performance artists.
Join us to witness young visionaries and artists present their creative ideas in order to fund impactful, positive change.
Visit our table at FolkFest on Canada Day 2023! Learn about the Sustainable Development Challenge, the Great Okanagan Waste Reduction Challenge, and more!
Global Citizen Events is proud to present the Grand Finale of the 2023 Sustainable Development Challenge on Thursday February 23rd from 6-9 PM at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Entry to this inspiring event is free to the general public and open to all ages.
Limited tickets (Ages 14+) available for $15 via Eventbrite at:
This 3 hr experience is intended to ignite a well rounded conversation about the significance of plant life and traditional uses of the land. This rare opportunity takes place on local and well maintained walking trails. The Land tours is conducted by Krystal Withakay.
FREE • Storytelling for ages birth to 12 years and their families. Sign up for each storytelling session via the below Eventbrite links:
In recognition of World Water Day, held on March 22nd every year since 1993, you are invited to join in an Indigenous-led Water Ceremony at Westbank First Nations Beach. The outdoor ceremony will be led by local Syilx Elders and Knowledge-keepers. Everyone who would like to is encouraged to make a tobacco offering at Okanagan lake anytime on March 22. More information on this will be shared at the Water Ceremony.
FREE
We invite women of all cultures to come together! This evening event features an Indigenous Fashion Show with local artist Jill Setah, a powerful video presentation of "Mel's Story" and other performances by First Nations and Métis local artists.
$10 | Age 12+
Vaccine passports are required for all attendees.
Join cultural teacher Helene Wilson to learn some Metis "jigging" dance moves and also Kendra Langrish will be doing Métis beading. Childminding is available. Also there will be coloring and yarn craft.
Vaccine passport required. All ages are welcome! Free tickets are available via Eventbrite at:
Cheryl Bear is a multi-award winning singer/songwriter who shares stories of Indigenous life through story and song. From Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, she is well known as an important and respected voice on behalf of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
Vaccine passports ARE REQUIRED for all attendees age 12 or older.
FREE
Limited tickets (Ages 14+) available for $15 via Eventbrite at:
This 3 hr experience is intended to ignite a well rounded conversation about the significance of plant life and traditional uses of the land. This rare opportunity takes place on local and well maintained walking trails. The Land tours is conducted by Krystal Withakay.
The Sncewips Museum Virtual Zoom Tour takes place within the museum gallery space, digitally, where you can see and learn about a variety of artifacts and cultural practices, many of which are actively utilized or practiced by the syilx people. During the Tour, you may learn about the land, traditional tools and dwellings, cultural practices, storytelling, the impact of colonization, Westbank First Nation’s self-government, and more!
Free Zoom tickets for 100 Participants:
The community is invited to a ticketed event see the top Project and Pitch teams, Arts for Social Change and Plan B video entries live, on stage at the Mary Irwin Theatre. Get your tickets now!
NOW is the Time. Connect. Discover. Engage. Meet local charities, businesses, and civic groups sharing solutions addressing the Global Goals.
FREE and open to all ages
View works and videos from local artists of all ages and experiences expressing their passion for social change through their art.
• Habitat for Humanity REStore (2092 Enterprise Way)
• Okanagan Regional Library-Downtown (1380 Ellis St)
• Okanagan Regional Library - Rutland (301 Hwy 33)
• Orchard Park Mall | Feb 11-13 (2271 Harvey Ave, nr Old Navy)
• Metro Hub (1265 Ellis St)
• Meet the artists! Feb 23 | Rotary Centre for the Arts (421 Cawston Ave)
FREE and open to all ages
Get your submissions into the Arts for Social Change series of exhibits! Check this page for details.
The Witness Blanket is a large-scale installation by artist and master carver Carey Newman, inspired by a woven blanket. The Kelowna Art Gallery is honoured to exhibit a 40-foot-long reproduction of The Witness Blanket, constructed from cedar with photographic panels to represent the original artifacts.
FREE
Student teams Educate, Entertain and Inspire to action a live audience of judges, community members and prospective donors. In a creative on stage pitch show them youth are ready to make an impact on the Global Goals! Visit sustainabledevelopmentchallenge.com for details.
Create an original work inspired by one or more of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals
This year Artists’ Eye on the World pivots to an online format. Work alone or join with friends or family to choose a goal or goals that speak to you. Create an original piece in dance, music, spoken word or song, visual arts, textile arts or any uniquely personal expression. Reach out using our Registration Form on the Artist’s Eye page.
Submit your work by February 14th (DEADLINE EXTENDED) to be a part of the video by Aaron Desilva.
Send us your family recipes and a story and we will add it to our virtual Recipe Book! Submit using the Registration Page Button
