As most of you already know Sustenance Festival is an annual arts, culture, and food festival organized by the Vancouver Park Board. During 2017 staff undertook a relationship-building process with the goal to work towards greater social and cultural inclusion. As a result 1) a report was written which includes valuable feedback from community groups on experiences working within the Park Board (PB) system 2) a fund of $5000 was created in order to provide greater support to groups working on food, arts, and culture initiatives 3) new relationships and partnerships are forming with groups who want to work with PB and 4) the Sustenance Festival format is being reenvisioned by an Interculturalism Advisory Committee.
HOW DO COMMUNITY CENTRES PARTICIPATE THIS YEAR?
With the aim to continue building reciprocal relationships with new and existing partners and individuals, we are inviting community centres to participate in two ways:
- Program a food, arts, and culture initiative (event, workshop series, dialogue, etc.) for the fall season that provides an opportunity for some kind of cultural exchange or learning (ex. sharing a family story or the history behind a special dish that is shared). In general, it is preferable to program a series or an ongoing event rather than a one-off. Send the info to rebecca.till@vancouver.ca and we’ll put it up on the Sustenance website.
- Apply to the Sustenance Community Fund if you have an idea you feel you need support with (such as funding support or advice on how to plan a culturally focused event or series). For more info and to apply please see attached form. We will select 3-6 centres and those selected may have the opportunity to be showcased at the larger Sustenance Festival event in the fall. Initiatives will be showcased on the Sustenance website.
CONTENT FOR BROCHURES
Regardless of how you are participating this year please include this generic blurb and the attached logo in your brochure. If you already know what your specific program will be you can also include it under the generic blurb. If you don’t know before your brochure deadline, don’t worry, we can include it on the Sustenance Festival website which is linked in the blurb.
The Sustenance Festival is back starting September 2018! After a year-long process of research and relationship-building we will spend 2018 focusing on events and workshops that create opportunities for greater social and cultural inclusion in the food, arts, and culture communities. Check out the website for upcoming food, art and culture events near you!
Grandview Woodland Food Connection 
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