August 16, 2010
Multiculturalism to Flash Richmond

RICHMOND – Richmond residents will be treated to spontaneous and informative performances promoting multiculturalism and anti-racism thanks to a $25,000 B.C. community grant. 

The Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society will receive funding for “flash mob” performances of cultural dances in public spaces with a dialogue afterwards to explore experiences. A flash mob is when a group of people organize over the Internet and then quickly assemble in a public place to perform.

“Multiculturalism is the cornerstone of our community. Racism has no place here,” says Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap. “Through this grant, we are supporting new ways of breaking down prejudice.”

“Any step we can take to fight racism is a good step,” says Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard. “A ‘flash mob’ is an engaging and innovative way to get people talking about multiculturalism and how to foster understanding.”

“The Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society has created a great marriage of the arts and community development,” says Richmond East MLA Linda Reid. “Connecting people through the arts is a fantastic approach to fight racism.”

The combined federal and provincial funding is being provided through EmbraceBC, which works to inspire residents, community members and sector leaders to welcome, accept and embrace differences within their communities.

Fifteen B.C. community groups’ projects were chosen for funding including a youth generated photo-blog that will focus on multicultural awareness; a community choir with emphasis on inclusion and self-expression; and a school twinning program that will see urban students use written words along with arts and crafts to connect with students from a rural First Nations school.

Each project will receive up to $25,000, and all projects will be completed by March 31, 2011.

Find out more at www.EmbraceBC.ca.

For more on the Richmond MLAs’ work in the constituency, visit John’s website www.johnyapmla.bc.ca, Rob’s website www.robhowardmla.bc.ca and Linda’s website www.lindareidmla.bc.ca.  Also, follow MLA Yap on Twitter: www.twitter.com/John_Yap.

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