Royal Bay secondary will soon have a decidedly green tinge. Creatively United for the Planet, a Vancouver Island-based non-profit sustainability summit helmed by photographer Frances Litman, is coming to Colwood.
“Finding a beautiful, spacious venue like Royal Bay secondary, with views of the ocean from the classrooms, has allowed my original vision for this event to finally be met,” Litman said. “As a result, this year will be the fifth, and it has become North America’s largest Earth Week event and sustainability showcase put on by a registered non-profit, volunteer organization.”
Litman is hard at work organizing the 75 exhibitors, 30 presentations, three panel workshops, four film screenings and other activities taking place over four separate events, over four days. On Friday (April 15) in Colwood, a Farm-to-Table, gourmet four-course meal features local chefs, food and information on its sources. Day two marks the fifth annual Creatively United Sustainability Showcase.
“If we want to continue having fresh air, water and natural areas to enjoy, we must embrace innovation. This festival was designed to bring people together in a celebratory way to realize that by working together, anything is possible,” Litman said. “It’s unlike any other community event, as it creatively unites people through displays, presentations, art, music, culture, food and much more.”
The summit on April 16 features world-class speakers including zero-waste experts, award-winning photographer Wayne Sawchuk, Garry Brooks of the Africa Community Product Health and many more. The events continue with two days at the Royal B.C. Museum starting April 22 with Celebrate Earth Day Creatively United, the Victoria premiere screening of Sea Blind, with local filmmaker Sarah Robertson, and author Franke James, who wrote Banned on the Hill.
Creatively United Aloha Earth Wisdom, Art Workshop, Hands-on Activities rounds out the last of four events, with International storytellers and live music, among other activities.
“I love living on this beautiful island. With all due respect, any place can look like Richmond, but not every place looks like here,” Litman said. For prices and schedules, visit creativelyunited.org.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com