OUR DWTN and festival producer VMF (the team behind the Vancouver Mural Festival), are excited to launch the Winter Arts Festival in Victoria. This celebration of light, art and storytelling features sculptures, projection mapping, augmented reality (AR) and live performances.
Held over the Family Day long weekend from 5-9 p.m., the Winter Arts Festival will kick off on Friday, February 16, 2024 with an opening celebration at the Winter Arts Hub (506 Herald Street). Free to attend except for the VMF After Dark 19+ ticketed event on February 17, this four-day, family-friendly festival will provide warm spaces to gather, creating a rhythm of indoor and outdoor experiences that inspire a sense of rediscovery of downtown streets and city spaces.
Attendees can explore downtown Victoria by participating in the Art Walk, featuring clusters of new temporary public artworks and lighting displays. Along the route, select storefronts and businesses will be participating by staying open late and offering warm-up locations to gather and connect, while hosting art installations and pop-up performances, transforming their window displays in line with the festival theme of Light & Language. The Art Walk can be discovered on your own with online maps or as part of a registered guided tour by John Adams. Look for the pink lights for participating businesses.
The Festival’s Winter Arts Hub at 506 Herald Street will serve as an indoor focal point where the community can come together and enjoy local food vendors, a licensed bar, artisan booths, scheduled performances and a kids zone.
From hands-on art crafting to immersive storytimes and interactive art installations, it’s going to be a fun time for the whole family. Grow virtual mushrooms, play oversized musical instruments and explore over 20 new and existing art pieces along the Art Walk. Venture into participating businesses and City Hall for a cozy break and keep an eye out for delightful pop-up performances. Check out all the family-friendly activities planned.
Winter Arts Festival artists, curators and community members are invited to join a conversation on how art, culture and storytelling are crucial to strengthening the social fabric of a just, healthy and equitable society.
There are many Partner Experiences to explore at the Winter Arts Festival, including the Power and Joy of Words & Music performance at the Belfry Theatre; guest stars at the Jagasilk Teabar; a floral art opening reception; ocean artwork exhibit; a pop-up library; hands-on lantern making and more!
Click here for complete event details. Mark your calendar for some free family fun downtown over the Family Day long weekend. See you there!
The Winter Arts Festival is produced by VMF and brought to you by OUR DWTN, a City of Victoria initiative.