Monday, December 21, 2009
16th ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL
6:00 - 10:00pm
Produced by the Secret Lantern Society
Artistic Director Naomi Singer

Email: secretlantern@gmail.com

One festival, five neighbourhoods

The dance of the sun and earth has inspired celebrations of the human spirit, expressed through art and music, throughout the ages. Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the longest night of the year with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music, and dancing.

On December 21st come celebrate the return of the sun with a glowing constellation of lanterns shining in five Vancouver neighbourhoods. These five little festivals are community-based and reflect the unique nature of each neighbourhood. Intimate and accessible, each invites participation and each holds special attractions.

Wherever you wind up, we hope you feel connected to your community and to the universal spirit of celebration!

A free family event. Donations gratefully accepted.

LABYRINTH OF LIGHT

The labyrinth has long been used for meditation, prayer and sites of ritual in various cultures around the world. Created with over 700 pure beeswax candles, the winter solstice labyrinth invites you to warm yourself in a self-guided ceremony intended to help release old attachments and envision new possibilities as the darkest night of the year births a new season.

Experience the Labyrinth of Light at the Roundhouse in Yaletown and Britannia Community Centre on the East Side.

A message from the Artistic Director

Dear Friends,

As you know, the past months have seen massive funding cuts to communities across our province. Unbelievably, the BC government plans to make further cuts of up to 90% to the arts over the next two years.

Without funding this festival (and so much more) could not take place. Government funding allows everyone - not just the rich - to experience art and music from diverse cultures.

The funding cuts are unacceptable. The government must hear from YOU: participants, citizens, voters. Please write and let them know that you are passionate about arts and culture. Demand that arts funding be fully restored.

And if you love this festival, please write to us and tell us what the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival means to you. Your letters are more important than you know - not only do they touch our spirit, they are included in every grant we write to illustrate how deeply art touches the lives of so many.

These are dark times. With the light of our lanterns set against the longest, darkest night of the year, we celebrate our community and the return of the sun.

Naomi Singer
Artistic Director, Secret Lantern Society

LETTERS
Write us: secretlantern@gmail.com

Premier Gordon Campbell
Room 156, Parliament Bldgs.
Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4

Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Room 301, Parliament Bldgs.
Victoria, B.C. V8V 9E2

To learn more about these issues or make use of the
Alliance For Arts and Culture's on-line letter tool: www.creativitycounts.ca

Note: Secrets are continually being revealed… please check back for updates.