Markham Arts Council will be celebrating its fourth annual flagship Arts and Cultural Heritage Celebrations (ACHC) virtually through a month-long cultural showcase on Markham Arts Council’s YouTube and social media channels. 

The celebrations will include virtual visual arts exhibitions, musical and dance performances and author readings. 

“As we know, the world is currently faced with extremely challenging times. Art is healing and therapeutic in nature,” said Deepti Aurora, Chair, Markham Arts Council. “Now more than ever, we need to embrace our cultural differences and stand together in humanity as Canadians. Right now it’s important for people to stay connected safely so we can be less isolated during this pandemic.”

The virtual celebrations will have video messages from several Federal, Provincial and City dignitaries including the Mayor of Markham Frank Scarpitti, MP for Markham – Unionville Bob Saroya, MPP for Markham – Unionville Billy Pang, MPP for Markham – Thornhill Logan Kanapathi and Head of Markham City’s Race Relations Advisory Committee Andrew Yu. 

“At the City of Markham, we value the importance of promoting artistic and cultural expression and celebrating our local talent,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Our city is made stronger and more vibrant because of our rich diversity and heritage through the Arts and Culture and I encourage you to virtually join us in the month of May for a celebration of arts & culture hosted by the Markham Arts Council.”

The Celebrations, which coincide with Asian Heritage Month and South Asian Heritage month will pay homage to the true multicultural Canadian spirit that the City of Markham has owned, which has resulted in Markham becoming one of the fastest growing cities in Canada.

“The Celebrations fit perfectly with the mandate of the Markham Arts Council,” adds Aurora. “One of our goals is to provide emerging and established artists with opportunities to learn, grow and collaborate on projects. This is important now more than ever. Through events like the Arts and Cultural Heritage Celebrations, we hope to build a stronger, more unified arts community that encompasses all forms of arts within the city of Markham.”