EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared on Milton Today July 3.
A beautiful tapestry of sound and spirit.
That’s how Diksha Pal Narayan recalls what was to her the high point of last year’s Culture Days.
Memories of ‘World Beats’ launch night – with African, Indian, Crash Rhythm and the Starlite Dreamers performances inspiring unrivalled audience enthusiasm and participation to kick off the world music-themed festivities – still get her emotional.
“Milton is such a cultural melting pot. It truly represented what we are as a community,” said the Arts Milton program coordinator, at the forefront of the local Culture Days celebration that now spans three weeks each fall. “We come together and we’re so strong together. You could feel that in the air.
“That was one of my finest moments as being part of Arts Milton.”
Pal Narayan hopes to recreate that magic this fall, with efforts well underway toward that goal.
The bar has been set awfully high after Milton finished fourth among mid-size communities in last year’s nationwide Culture Days rankings. Neighbouring Oakville and Halton Hills placed first and second respectively.
Individually ‘A Place I Call Home Halton’ won for Best Collaborative Program and ‘World Beats’ secured a runner-up nod, while named a runner-up in the People’s Choice Award were the South Asian Mommies of Milton.
Pal Narayan feels there’s as much potential for overall participation and diversity with this year’s World Dance theme, especially with African, Chinese and South Asian groups already on board. Dance groups can join the celebration by contacting organizers at [email protected].
Taking the theme beyond the stage, Arts Milton is calling out to artists of all ages (from grade 6 to adults) to submit paintings, photographs and other images of dances in their culture.
Entries can be sent here, with 60 images to be selected for display at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton during Culture Days.
Area youth bands are invited to apply for a spot in the October 6 music showcase at Milton Community Sports Park.
Contest and musician entries can be submitted until July 31.
Meanwhile, artists and performers of all types – or those who simply have a creative idea – are asked to sign up to be part of the celebration.
The deadline for entry is July 15.
“We want to encourage creativity and talent; it doesn’t matter what your age is,” said Pal Narayan, who’ll have 50 to 60 volunteers helping out at a number of mini events during Culture Days along with the major attractions – including performances and workshops – at the arts centre and Milton Public Library.
This year’s Culture Days run from Sept. 20 to Oct. 13.
Visit artsmilton.com for more information.