The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival has launched a new initiative to help welcome immigrants and refugees into Vancouver’s vibrant performing arts scene.
Called Meet Your New Neighbour (MYNN), the program will use the dynamic, 20-day PuSh festival as a bridge, allowing new Canadians and refugees to attend various shows, accompanied by festival patrons and local volunteers, for free.
During the course of the festival, which takes place between Jan. 19 and Feb. 7, participants in the pilot program will be provided with complimentary tickets and transportation subsidies, along with an invitation to the celebratory wrap party at the end of the festival.
According to the press release, MYNN is part of the PuSh festival’s ongoing efforts to “eliminate financial, cultural and social barriers to the performing arts”. The festival also hopes MYNN will foster new friendships, connections and dialogues between communities, while addressing the sense of isolation that many newcomers face.
This season the PuSh Festival will host more than 150 performances and feature artists from Canada, Australia, England, France, Lebanon and the United States. Highlights from the 2016 lineup include award-winning UK dancer Aakash Odedra (Inked and Murmur), French circus performer Etienne Manceau (Vu), and the highly anticipated remounting of Holy Body Tattoo's 2005 sensation monumental (featuring a live performance by post-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor).
To take part in the program, interested hosts are asked to apply for the shows that they would like to attend, and then the PuSh Festival will approach various refugee organizations to match them up with a guest.
"I would say to increase your chances of being matched up with somebody, it’s better to focus on shows that don’t use language," explains Accessible PuSh Coordinator Anika Vervecken, when reached by phone.
"Vu and L’immédiat would definitely be ones [we recommend]. Neither use language and they're both accessible for children. And then another one would be Inked and Murmur, because it’s also a very easy entry. Monumental would definitely be a good one, too," she continues. "These are dance shows that we think most people in the general public would enjoy."
Applications for MYNN volunteers are now open. To apply, visit the PuSh Festival website. Deadline for applications is Jan. 10, at 5pm.
