Culture Days, a 3 day celebration showcasing artists and cultural groups has been growing bigger and better with each successive year. With their largest attendance in 2012, 1.6 million, you can't help but smile and participate.
My decision to participate was one that came easy. Being able to share my art (the Steelpan) with the community was a blessing. Being able to change lives by making a positive impact is a life changer. Whether it's getting someone to smile and enjoy the music, exposing them to the instrument for the 1st time, or having someone pursue the instrument is really cool. I really try to have a positive message for the audience because whether we like it or know it, we are role models for those around us.
This year Culture Days is having the first ever National Congress on Culture with the theme: The Art of Engagement: Finding, Igniting and Keeping Audiences
"Taking place in Toronto, this first annual National Congress on Culture will bring together provocative speakers and panelists, arts and private sector leaders, media influencers, policy makers, funders, artists and cultural practitioners to share insights, discuss and draw lessons from a diversity of experiences, trends, best practices and impacts of public engagement in arts and culture in Canada today." -culturedays.ca
I will be in attendence and as well hope to learn, be inspired and make a connection with others that are on the same journey as myself.