This year, more than 40 different cultural organizations, faith-based centres, artist centres, heritage sites, and businesses are participating in the annual Doors Open Richmond event.
The two-day celebration on June 8 and 9 shows off the city’s rich cultural diversity. New partners this year include the Richmond Recycling Depot and the Vedic Cultural Centre.
Pancouver asked five questions of Bilan Hassan, chair of the Richmond Museum Society, which is organizing Doors Open Richmond. You can read her responses below.
Pancouver: Can you describe Doors Open Richmond to readers who might not be familiar with it?
Bilan Hassan: Doors Open Richmond is an annual event that showcases different organizations, local businesses and services that are offered in Richmond. It unlocks the city’s hidden gems and celebrates its vibrant, multicultural spirit.
Pancouver: What does the existence of this event say about the City of Richmond?
Bilan Hassan: The City of Richmond’s Doors Open event is a vibrant celebration of our unique and diverse heritage. This annual occasion offers a fascinating journey of discovery, granting access to participating sites that might otherwise remain unexplored. Each year, I eagerly anticipate expanding my knowledge of our rich history and culture through this enriching experience.
Doors open for kids and culture seekers
Pancouver: What are some of the highlights for families with young children?
Bilan Hassan: Families with young children will particularly enjoy the Richmond Fire-Rescue and Richmond RCMP exhibits. These interactive displays provide a unique opportunity for kids to explore emergency vehicles and meet the brave men and women who serve our community.
Pancouver: What do you recommend for people who want to learn more about diverse cultures in Richmond?
Bilan Hassan: For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Richmond’s diverse cultures, I wholeheartedly recommend attending all participating sites in Doors Open Richmond with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. Engage in enlightening conversations with the dedicated employees and volunteers, and seize the opportunity to uncover the rich histories behind each organization. You may be surprised to discover that some of these fascinating organizations are right in your own community, waiting to be explored.
Pancouver: What’s available for people who are interested in the performing or visual arts?
Bilan Hassan: Those who have passion for the performing and visual arts, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant world of performance and visual arts at Doors Open Richmond. Be captivated by the dynamic video showcase of the Sudnya Dance Academy, and experience the inspiring works of Peisen Ding, Artist-in-Residence at historic Branscombe House, and Scott Pleydell-Pearce Artist Studio.
2024 partners
1. 12 Service Battalion Museum & 39 Service Battalion
2. Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre
3. Bahá’í Community of Richmond
4. BC Ambulance Services
5. Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
6. Eastern Catholic Church Richmond
7. Gina Page, Seawrack Press Studio | NEW
8. Gurdwara Nanak Niwas: India Cultural Centre of Canada
9. Lingyen Mountain Temple
10. London Farm
11. Minoru Chapel
12. Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple
13. Peisen Ding, Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence
14. Richmond Art Gallery
15. Richmond Caring Place
16. Richmond City Hall
17. Richmond Artefact Collection
18. Richmond Family Place
19. Richmond Fire-Rescue
20. Richmond Jamia Masjid (Sunni Muslim Mosque)
21. Richmond Museum
22. Richmond Nature Park
23. Richmond Olympic Oval
24. Richmond Public Art
25. Richmond Public Library
26. Richmond Public Works
27. Richmond RCMP
28. Richmond Recycling Depot
29. Richmond Youth Education Center
30. Sanduz Estate Wines
31. Scott Pleydell-Pearce Artist Studio
32. Sea Island Heritage Society
33. Steves Farm
34. Steveston Buddhist Temple
35. Steveston Japanese Language School
36. Steveston Museum
37. Steveston Tram
38. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Service Centre
39. Sudnya Dance Academy
40. The Blue Cabin Floating Artist Residency
41. Turkish-Canadian Society
42. Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko
43. Vedic Cultural Centre
Doors Open Richmond takes place on June 8 and 9 at more than 40 locations. Follow Pancouver on Twitter @PancouverMedia and on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
