A world of culture will be on display in Cold Lake.
MOSAIC: A Pop-Up Museum will have an abundance of cultures for the community to enjoy during the two-day event Sept. 27 and 28.
Hosted by the Lakeland Multicultural Association for the first time last year, the organization decided to partner up with the Cold Lake Public Library for their second shot at the event.
“It fits totally with what we want to do. Our plan is for our services to meet the different cultures and needs in the City of Cold Lake and to provide the services and products they need,” said Leslie Price, director of the Cold Lake Public Library.
Evert Chandra, president of the Lakeland Multicultural Association, noted the group started the pop-up museum as a way of carrying on the Cold Lake Museum’s previous Culture Days event.
“We didn’t want that idea to die down, there are so many cultures here and we want to keep that going,” she expressed.
The pop-up museum features displays, tables, presentations, and food based on various cultures in the community.
So far, they will have representation from Nigeria, Métis, Shetland Islands, Scotland, and India, among others.
“The whole idea is we have tables that represent different countries of the people in Cold Lake. If someone is from the Philippines for example, they can come and put a table in and have some of their clothing and decorations, and have the person actually there so the public can interact with them,” detailed Price.
She added, “We’re going to have a ton of different foods, we’re bringing in some different performers, such as the Kehewin Dancers, we will have the base band playing some different music, we just want to give people a totally immersed experience into different cultures.”
The free event is open to the public at the Cold Lake Public Library on Friday, Sept. 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“For kids, I think especially these days, we’re becoming a very global society and we are out there a lot more. We’re meeting people from all over. This sets children up to be open and to be accepting of everyone. It also takes us back, for example, if my child were to participate, it’s a good opportunity for me to talk about our roots and where we’re from. It’s a good way to open up that culture discussion for families,” Chandra exclaimed. “It works two ways: it gets other cultures out there and it helps us learn about where we’re from.”
Anyone interested in putting up a display can contact Price via email at [email protected].
She said there’s no expectations when it comes to those participating.
“Just what they’re comfortable doing… Some people can only come for the one day… Just come in and enjoy yourself and be proud to be able to share your culture and your heritage,” she stated.
Chandra and Price agreed, the community is unlikely to get the same experience anywhere else.
“I think that’s what Canada is all about. We’re made of various cultures, we’re a country of immigrants and we all love Canada,” detailed Chandra. “We don’t shy away from learning about other cultures, learning about everyone else just makes us strong as a country and a community.”
For food enthusiasts, there will be an opportunity to indulge in the various delicacies of the world, while children will have a chance to get hands on with some cultural-based activities.
Price noted the event is being hosted thanks to a $3,500 grant from the Alberta Arts and Culture Foundation, so she encourages everyone to attend.
