The annual Esquimalt Arts Festival will be expanding as it enters its third year, and the Township Community Arts Council, which takes the reins this year, is hoping to bring in a larger, younger crowd.
The festival will feature an “artist walk” made up of 35 artists from across the Island, who will showcase their work and discussing their process with attendees. Arts council secretary-treasurer Louise Ryan, said that artists will be grouped closer together this year, hopefully resulting in a more “community feel.”
“Our main goal is to engage Esquimalt, and to bring people out here to out here to enjoy the art and enjoy the park,” Ryan said. “But we also want to bring our artists together, and encourage them to collaborate.”
Ryan said she hopes to make this year’s festival more family-oriented by bringing in more work geared towards youth. Among them is the B.C. Maritime Museum, which will be hosting a “pirate school” at the festival. More digital media-based artists will also be included this year, which organizers hope will inspire interest in younger attendees.
The event will also feature six musical acts, including headliner Louise Rose, a local, award-winning jazz singer. A convoy of food trucks will also be present.
The Esquimalt Arts Festival takes place at Gorge Park, on Aug. 10 from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free.