Arts & Culture
Plans afoot for modified Maritime Festival
—
The popular Richmond Maritime Festival will go ahead this summer, but like other major events during the pandemic in a modified form.
In calling for artists, performers, artisans and storytellers for the 17th annual seafaring celebration, Richmond Arts Coalition executive director Andrew Wade notes this year’s event—planned for late August to mid-September—will be in a “digital and physically-distanced manner.”
“We have been fighting for this to happen, both so that this funding for local artists won’t be lost this year, and to provide a unique opportunity for local artists and artisans,” Wade explained.
Singing mermaids, sailors with a story to tell, dancers with maritime-themed dance to teach people at home, film pirates and puppeteers feeling the call of the sea as well as creators of art installations and other artisans are urged to apply at www.richmondartscoalition.com/artist-call-maritime-festival/
The deadline for artists to answer the call is July 8.
The 2020 festival is expected to feature digital displays of family-friendly performances, artisan showcases, and heritage storytelling alongside accessible art installations.
“The Richmond Arts Coalition, Anigraph Productions and the City of Richmond will be artfully celebrating our oceanside past and present here at the mouth of the (Fraser) River,” said Wade, adding that in early August, event organizers plan to set up a site studio in Steveston to film performances, demonstrations and storytellings. He said live performances may be considered if pandemic restrictions lift, but otherwise performances will be presented online.