A beloved family-friendly celebration of all things creative is returning to Richmond after a long hiatus.
A diverse program of live performances, workshops and crafts is in the works for children between ages three and 12 at the upcoming Richmond Children's Arts Festival, which is set to take place on Feb. 20's B.C. Family Day.
Entry to the festival is free and this year marks its return since 2020.
The festival lineup includes singer and storyteller Gina Lina, improv songwriting with Peter G-G, cedar bark weaving with Musqueam artist Rita Kompst, Bollywood dance performances and workshops with Canadian National Dance Champion Karima Essa, Taiko drumming with Uzume Taiko and critically acclaimed beatboxing Infinitus String Trio.
Kids will also get to enjoy hands-on crafts at imagination stations and participate in creativity classes for arts such as hip hop, musical theatre and Mexican traditional paper art. Advanced registration for creativity classes is recommended and it costs $10 per participant.
The Richmond Public Library will also be hosting author readings with Sharon Dulay, author of Gia and the Moon, and Kung Jaadee, who will be presenting Haida and Squamish stories and songs.
This year, children will also get to help create and interact with a public art project by Elvira Monteforte and Dolores Altin called We are Made of Water, which aims to highlight the importance of protecting water. The three freestanding domes are made from recyclable materials and will be displayed at the Minoru Plaza.
The Children's Arts Festival is produced by the City of Richmond, presented by Lansdowne Centre and sponsored by Richmond Public Library and the Richmond News.
The event will take place at the Richmond Library and Cultural Centre on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To pre-register for classes and to find out more about the festival, visit the event's official website.
