How We Embrace Inclusivity and Celebrate Diversity
The Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is not only a celebration of jazz, but a place where music, art and culture come together to create a sense of belonging among people of all ages, genders, cultures and backgrounds.
At its core, the Festival strives to prioritize inclusivity and diversity through our music and arts programming and production. By making the Festival accessible to our entire community, inviting participation by First Nation communities, and fostering a place for youth to harness their appreciation for jazz, the Festival offers a powerful means to connect people over the kindred appreciation for music and art.
A festival from everyone, for everyone
"Public access has always been a pillar of the Festival," says Executive Director of the festival, Karen Zukas. "Providing for and supporting the community by making it possible for them to engage with music and art at no cost is really important to us."
Last year we presented 46 free shows, providing access to some of the greatest performers from across BC, Canada and internationally.
This year’s festival will again feature two days of free jazz performances on multiple outdoor stages throughout the Village meaning that everyone has an opportunity to soak in the incredible music line-up, entertainment and take part in community-building activities. Various art and cultural exhibits, initiatives and workshops also play an integral role in bringing together people from all walks of life.
"So many residents, community groups and businesses have been involved in the Festival over the years," says Karen. "It's meaningful that they're all able to immerse themselves in the Festival in their own backyards and throughout the historic village."
Community members also participate in the Festival by volunteering, and residents from many different backgrounds have stepped up to the plate to make the Festival what it is today.
The representation of historically marginalized groups, equal gender representation, and creating inclusive programming that features artists and bands with people of colour, female and Indigenous performers is a must for the Festival’s Artistic Director, Dave Quinn.
"Each year, we challenge ourselves to diversify the line-up we program,” says Dave. “When booking artists, we make sure we have female-led bands and people of colour represented to create a diverse Festival overall.”
“These artists bring a unique perspective to the jazz genre and offer diverse musical styles and influences,” adds Dave. “We’re proud to represent a broad spectrum of artists and commit to challenging ourselves to do more as a festival.”
The 2023 line-up of free performances is spectacularly diverse. Festival-goers can experience jazz as they've never experienced it before – from an Indo-Jazz fusion quartet to jazz blended with traditional Chinese music.
Inviting youth to contribute to the language of jazz
The Festival fosters youth and emerging talent through its annual Jazz Education Workshop, the CN Stage for Young & Emerging Artists, the Rising Jazz Star Awards, and by employing youth at the Festival.
"It's important to support and provide opportunities for the next generation of jazz musicians, and that's what we intend to do with these initiatives," says Karen. "It's exciting to see audiences discover up-and-coming talent and young musicians connecting with new audiences.”
"Jazz is a small segment in the music industry compared to hip hop and pop, for example," says Dave. "We want to encourage the language of jazz to be passed down and want these young artists to have a chance to showcase their music. That's what we're all about."
“With their unique sounds and styles, young musicians infuse jazz with fresh and innovative perspectives,” adds Dave. “Their creativity and originality breathe new life into jazz, drawing in younger and more diverse audiences.”
Sharing Indigenous traditions and culture
"The increased inclusion of Indigenous artists brings tears to my eyes," shared one festival attendee. "The musical collaboration and dedicated stage for Indigenous dancers and musicians was incredible. An educational component to encourage understanding between cultures is vital, and the performers I saw provided exactly that!"
The Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival aims to advance the journey toward reconciliation and highlight Indigenous ways of being, seeing, and knowing by offering a platform for intercultural interaction with local First Nation communities.
Bursting with artistic excellence, song, dance and seeds of learning, First Nations participation in the Festival has invigorated its spaces since the Festival's inauguration in 2018.
Jazz has always been a vibrant genre that crosses boundaries and brings people together. The Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is a shining example of upholding the jazz legacy by offering an accessible and inclusive experience for all.
Discover more about the Festival's identity here.