COQUITLAM, B.C., May 12, 2020 – Coquitlam is offering performers, businesses, artisans and non-profits a chance to get paid to participate in its first-ever online Canada Day celebration.
Planning has begun for dynamic but physically distant 2020 versions of three of the City’s signature summer events – Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, the Summer Concert Series and the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival – each of which typically attracts thousands to the festival grounds at Town Centre Park.
To support the community and the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal campaign, the City is allocating some of its event budget to providing $500 honourariums for Program Partners: area businesses, artisans and non-profit organizations that provide fun, family-friendly online content for the Canada Day event.
Proposals for Canada Day Accepted Until May 24
The honourarium is in lieu of the typical marketing and financial opportunities available to businesses, artisans and groups at the events. Musicians, dancers and other performers are also being offered paid performance spots.
From its Program Partners, the City will be looking for videos that are two to three minutes long and feature fun, exciting content or interactive activities suitable for all ages. The videos will be pre-recorded and screened during the Canada Day online broadcast on July 1.
Ideas could include a performance of some kind or a fun how-to video for a game, craft or activity. While the partners will be able to promote their organization or work, City’s priority will be ensuring the videos are entertaining, interesting to the public and reflect the spirit of the annual Canada Day celebrations.
Activity and entertainer preliminary proposals will be accepted until the end of day May 24 at www.coquitlam.ca/canadaday. City staff are available before May 24 to help develop ideas for proposal, and will support those selected with developing content and technical aspects. Questions may be directed to FestivalsAndEvents@coquitlam.ca.
What’s in Store this Summer
The online Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day event will kick off at noon and offer a mix of live and pre-recorded segments, with activities including an official opening and singing of O Canada, live family-friendly concerts, multicultural performances, drop-in online activities and try-it demos, magic shows, contests and more.
The Summer Concert Series will also go online, with 10 live concerts broadcast from June 26 to Sept. 4 showcasing local musicians, singers and songwriters, who will be paid to perform. Event information will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/summerconcerts.
The 2020 Kaleidoscope Arts Festival, moving from its August date to Sept. 25 to 27 in conjunction with Culture Days, is being reimagined as a hybrid event taking place both online and at physically distant outdoor venues.
Kaleidoscope will support Coquitlam businesses and organizations with free promotions and opportunities to serve as paid outdoor venues or provide complementary services such as food and beverages. The plans may be revisited as conditions change. Information will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/kaleidoscope.
A similar approach is anticipated for fall events, following the May 6 provincial government announcement extending the ban on gatherings of 50 or more to at least year’s end.
Join Coquitlam’s Efforts to #SupportLocal
The City of Coquitlam has joined the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal campaign to assist local businesses, many of which are struggling at this time. Businesses and organizations are invited to visit www.coquitlam.ca/canadaday to learn about paid opportunities to participate in Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, and to visit the new Business Support Portal at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business for up-to-date news, resources and opportunities. Coquitlam also strongly encourages residents to #SupportLocal for their shopping and meals; view business listings at www.wegotthistricities.com and 150+ local takeout restaurants to www.visitcoquitlam.ca.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.