Professional & Spectator Sports

Since the first Olympic Games in Greece 2,700 years ago, the Games have celebrated the accomplishments of not only the world’s best athletes, but also its premiere artists and performers. This year, BC will be home to myriad performances as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad held January 22 until March 21, 2010.

Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad

The Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad will be an explosion of the arts in theatres, galleries, village plazas and downtown streets. There will be more than 600 ticketed and free performances and exhibitions in 60 locations in Metro Vancouver and along the Sea to Sky corridor.

Expect the unexpected – circus acts, comedians, dancers, musicians, theatre performers, visual artists, and even a unique digital art exhibit.

Cultural Olympiad Community Highlights

Watch Canadian rock band Blue Rodeo in Whistler or champion figure skater Emanuel Sandhu backed by a 17-piece jazz ensemble in North Vancouver. In Burnaby, see Don Juan come alive with puppets, and in Squamish, enjoy a play based on a traditional Tlingit First Nations story.

Vancouver is the centre of Olympic action, so it’s no surprise that the majority of Cultural Olympiad events will also be happening here. Witness Japanese butoh inspired modern dance, rousing flamenco pieces, and talented dancers from The National Ballet of Canada and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Jump on the floor to participate in the Dance Marathon contest.

Incredible music acts will be gracing stages in Vancouver. Listen to Somali-Canadian rapper K’Naan, new country musician Steve Earle, singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett, Chinese chamber music (called sizhu ), or a tribute to rock-icon Neil Young performed by acts such as Broken Social Scene, Ron Sexsmith, and Iron and Wine. Indie songstress Feist and electrofunk due Chromeo will also be entertaining fans.

As well, discover extraordinary Aboriginal artists at the Talking Stick Festival, or take in theatrical acts that cover topics ranging from Edgar Allan Poe to Rick Hansen.

Some specific highlights include The Blue Dragon/Le Dragon Bleu by Robert Lepage, Delusions by Laurie Anderson, Moon Water by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, and Tundra Songs by the Kronos Quartet featuring Tanya Tagaq.

Cultural Olympiad Tickets and Information

Visit Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for tickets and up-to-the-minute information on the Cultural Olympiad.