ProArt has partnered with Primary Colours/Couleurs primaires, the Indigenous Arts Collective, and Open Space Arts Society, to present Sche’chulth: Decolonizing the Arts in Victoria is a series of curated events occurring throughout the month of March 2019, that will address the centering of Indigenous artists and artists of colour in the local arts community.
We are honouring the Lekwungen language by using (with permission) the word, Sche’chulth, which roughly means “the empty space in between”. The principles of this empty space are to acknowledge it exists and that we have opportunity to fill that space with our gifts.
The presence of Indigenous artists and artists of colour is increasing within Victoria’s Eurocentric arts organizations. Many presentations dealing with this cultural and racial diversity have taken place over the last year in various Victoria arts and academic communities. It is difficult, if not impossible, to appropriately address the myriad issues that arise with a one-off panel or keynote.
Primary Colours/Couleurs primaires and its partners will present a series of conversations, which use decolonized methodologies – new/old protocols: welcoming, witnessing, polyvocality; no keynotes or panels; planned improvisation; working with the 5 R’s – Respect, Responsibility, Relevance, Relationality, Reciprocity.
We have developed a series of discussions and events designed to build momentum towards a two-day Victoria arts gathering. This event will begin with an Indigenous welcoming ceremony and an orientation to the land. Places will be preassigned for advance registration for ProArts members and Open Space participants.
REGISTER for the Conversation Series & Community Feast here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/schechulth-conversation-series-tickets-56952422228
FULL SCHEDULE and information available here:
http://openspace.ca/Schechulth-Decolonizing-the-Arts-in-Victoria
FMI contact Doug Jarvis at info@proartalliance.ca
ProArt Alliance of Greater Victoria 