When is the Cultural Olympiad?

The Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad will showcase the finest in Canadian and international arts and culture through a series of three festivals. Launched in 2008, this is the first time an Olympic Winter Games has hosted a multi-year Cultural Olympiad before Games time. Cultural Olympiad 2009 takes place February 1 through March 21, 2009. Cultural Olympiad 2010 kicks off 60 days of celebration on January 22, continuing through March 21, 2010. For more details, take a look at the range of dynamic events and digital programs already planned for Cultural Olympiad 2009.

What is the Cultural Olympiad?

Inspired by culture’s role as the second pillar of the Olympic movement, the Cultural Olympiad is a celebration of contemporary imagination, spanning music, dance, theatre, visual arts, digital and new media arts, film, literature and spectacular outdoor events. Launched in 2008 and culminating in 2010, this festival of arts, culture and creativity will feature a spectrum of local, national and international artists, whose exhilarating work and remarkable talent captures the vitality and rich diversity of Canada’s creative community. Have a look at some of the exciting cultural programs planned for 2009 and 2010.

Cultural Olympiad 2009

Extraordinary artists from across Canada and around the world will meet in Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor for Cultural Olympiad 2009. Running from February 1 to March 21, 2009, this seven-week celebration of the imagination will feature an exhilarating program of contemporary talent and creative collaborations, with more than 400 performances and exhibitions spanning music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literary arts and film. Complementing these live events is an innovative digital new media program, which will play out in multiple spaces, places and formats. 2009 also marks the start of Cultural Olympiad’s national touring program, which will bring to communities across Canada some of the country’s most engaging and innovative artists.

Have a look at what’s ahead.

Calendar of Events

With more than 400 free and ticketed performances and exhibitions created by a wide spectrum of local, national and international artists, Cultural Olympiad 2009 offers something for everyone. For more details and ticket information, have a look at our online program guide.

How to Get Tickets

There are several ways to buy tickets for Cultural Olympiad events. Tickets to most events can be purchased online or at the specific venue. Many events are free, although some free events do require a reservation.

For complete ticket details, please refer to the specific event or “find an event” in our Cultural Olympiad event listings.

Events for Children

From interactive art workshops to enchanting theatre performances, families can enjoy a wide variety of cultural programs designed to entertain and enthrall children of all ages. For more details, have a look at our Cultural Olympiad family programming.