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Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story

Thursday, May 5, 2011 to Sunday, January 1, 2012

Bhangra.me: Vancouver’s Bhangra Story, is an interactive exhibition that chronicles Bhangra music, dance and politics in Vancouver. From dance teams in the 70s, to international DJs in 2011, this exhibit features Vancouver’s unique Bhangra story. Play instruments, listen to local DJ-curated playlists, read about Bhangra’s connection to social protest, and dance in the Performance Lounge.

Co-produced by Museum of Vancouver and Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society, Bhangra.me has been extended to run until January 1, 2012. The first museum exhibition of its kind of Canada, Bhangra.me attempts to interpret and understand what Bhangra means to people in Vancouver. Bhangra – and by extension the greater story of South Asians in Vancouver - is deeply intertwined with Vancouver’s own story.

Bhangra.me is co-curated by Curator of Contemporary Issues, Viviane Gosselin, and Guest Curator, Naveen Girn. Designed by local designers, Propellor Studio, the exhibition was created from original interviews, archival video footage, personal photo albums, community consultations, and support from Vancouver’s Bhangra community. Over 55 interviews and 100 hours of documentary footage have been compiled by Cultural Researcher and Guest Curator Naveen Girn.

Share your Bhangra story. Interact online with the Bhangra.me Story Map at bhangra.me.

Bhangra.me is produced with:

Museum of Vancouver thanks our sponsors for their support:

Community Partners and Supporters:

RJ1200

Online Media Partner:

May 04, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Bhangra.me Opening Party

Join us for the Opening Party of Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story.

Experience an interactive exhibition that chronicles Bhangra music, dance and politics in Vancouver. From dance teams in the 70s, to international DJs in 2011, this exhibit features Vancouver’s unique Bhangra story.

Researched and co-curated by Naveen Girn, the exhibition was created from original interviews, archival video, personal photo albums, community c...onsultations, and support from Vancouver's Bhangra community.

Bhangra.me is co-produced by Museum of Vancouver and Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society.

Also opening this evening, VIBC's City of Bhangra Festival. Visit www.vibc.org for festival information.

Tickets $15
Cash Bar
Appetizers Sponsor: Nanak Foods
Live music and performances

Tickets can be purchased at the door or at www.museumofvancouver.ca.

*MOV Members were sent an invitation via email and postal mail valid for them and one guest. RSVP is mandatory for guests who received an invitation.

Additional tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or at www.museumofvancouver.ca

May 05, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Curator's Talk & Tour with Naveen Girn

Join Naveen Girn, guest curator behind Bhangra.me for an interactive tour and conversation about his research and the story behind the Bhangra.me exhibition's inception, design, and realization.

Included with Admission | Members Free

May 06, 2011 / 1:30 PM

Afternoon Show & Tell: Storytelling in a Web Made World

Join the Museum of Vancouver and local innovators in a special Open Source Week event geared toward a mixed crowd of passionately interdisciplinary and visionary citizens, technologists, cultural strategists and social change agents. Discover how using new forms of web-based and mobile tools - from open data, urban mobile maps, to narrative interfaces - can help you maximize reach and deepen connections with your communities.

Storytelling and civic conversations in a Web Made World is a complex challenge that faces government, arts and culture organizations, and technologists alike. We no longer meet our neighbours in the town square, and with the exploding diversity of the city and the pace of technological change, there are fewer and fewer places to come face-to- face with fellow citizens. Finding new tools and modes of engaged sharing has therefore become a central challenge -- especially developing the connections, knowledge, and resources to find the best fit and form.

Presenters from Museum of Vancouver, Microsoft Canada, Aaron McGowan, Knowledge is Power, Foodtree, Nitobi, and Royal BC Museum will share their projects and experiences, with an open discussion and Q+A to follow. Each presentation will be roughly 10 minutes. Along with great and lively presentations each attendee will receive complimentary admission to the Bhangra.me, an interactive exhibit that chronicles Bhangra music, dance and politics in Vancouver.

Lunch will be catered and complimentary refreshments served. What better way to spend your Friday afternoon!

RSVP and registration is MANDATORY, and is limited.

http://museumofvancouver.eventbrite.com/

May 07, 2011 / 10:00 AM

Curating/Creating Memory: A symposium on the making and re-creation of memory and community

This symposium brings together activists, museum professionals and scholars to consider the ways memory is created and represented in institutional and other contexts. We focus on the idea of "community"; that is, how communities are configured, maintained, and at times managed through representational practice. Panelists will give short presentations on two themes: Curation and Creation, and the audience and participants will then engage in focused discussion of themes and issues that arise.

Sponsored by the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration, and the University of British Columbia's Department of Asian Studies and Centre for Race, Autobiography, Gender and Age Studies.

Free event | RSVP mandatory rsvp@museumofvancouver.ca

May 19, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Bhangra Beats: Interactive Drumming Workshop with Dhol Nation

Experience and learn the basics of dhol beats and rhythms featured in the Bhangra.me exhibition, in this step-by-step drumming workshop facilitated by practitioners from Dhol Nation Academy. Sign up for these creative workshops well in advance, space is limited!

$15 includes admission to exhibition
Members Free | rsvp@museumofvancouver.ca

June 02, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Bhangra Unplugged: En Karma with Raju Johal

Join Bhangra.me guest curator Naveen Girn in conversation with Vancouver’s internationally recognized bhangra “rock stars” En Karma, as they discuss the evolution of global bhangra, and Vancouver’s role in shaping it. A special live performance inside the Performance Lounge of the Bhangra.me exhibition will follow, where En Karma will perform with Raju Johal, featuring music from his newest album, Nachna Pasand.

Tickets $20 | Members 15% off | cash bar

June 09, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Strictly Bhangra: Dance Workshop with Surrey India Arts Club

Explore and learn from choreographers and practitioners from Surrey India Arts Club, and
practice the full range of Punjabi folk dances that comprise Bhangra - Giddha, Malwai Giddha,
Jhummar and Dhamal.

No previous dance experience necessary, sign up early for these creative workshops well in advance, space is limited!

$15 includes admission to the exhibition. Members Free | rsvp@museumofvancouver.ca

July 07, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Curator Talk & Tour - Pioneering Bhangra

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

You've seen the dance and listened to the music. Now join the conversation.

Join Guest Curator Naveen Girn, and veteran Bhangra dancers, Paul Binning and Dr. Kanwaljeet Neel, for an intimate and interactive tour of Bhangra.me, followed by Q&A and conversation about their unique perspective on Bhangra’s story in Vancouver. Members of one of Canada’s first Bhangra dance teams, Mr. Binning and Dr. Neel will share their experiences, memories and stories on their first performances, dancing at the Montreal Olympics 1976 and Spokane World Fair, and the role of Bhangra in anti-racism and labour movements in the 1980s.

Included with Admission ($12) | Free for Members | rsvp@museumofvancouver.ca

August 04, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Curator Talk & Tour

Join Co-Curator of Bhangra.me, Viviane Gosselin, in an intimate tour and discussion about the creation and staging of this unique, community-based exhibition.

Viviane Gosselin is the Curator of Contemporary Issues at MOV.

Members Free / Included with admission

September 01, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Curator's Talk & Tour, Bhangra.me: Design, Engagement & Interaction

Bhangra.me Curator Talk & Tour with Naveen Girn

You've seen the dance, admired the artefacts, and listened to the music. Now join the conversation.

For this special talk and tour, Bhangra.me co-curator Naveen Girn is joined by Toby Barratt from Propellor Design. Focusing on the creative design process, Naveen and Toby will take you through Bhangra.me, a special exhibition produced in collaboration with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC), which chronicles Bhangra music, dance, and politics in Vancouver.

This tour and discussion will highlight the integrative design process, borne out of a deeply collaborative curatorial process. Hear firsthand how the custom bhangra paisley came to be, artful explanations of transnational music, and strategies for building engagement through play and touch.

Propellor is a multi-disciplinary design studio committed to creating useful, beautiful and ecologically minded objects and experiences. Propellor’s work spans a broad range of disciplines from furniture and lighting design to exhibition design and sculpture.

7PM start.
Admission Free for Members | Included with Admission to Bhangra.me

September 07, 2011 / 10:00 AM

Volunteer Information Session - Weekday Volunteering

Please note there are two available sessions:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 from 10:00am-12:00pm (weekday volunteering)
Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm (weekend & evening volunteering)

Have you expressed interest in volunteering for the MOV? We would love to meet you! Join us for one of two information sessions this September to learn more about our volunteer opportunities. Areas of volunteering include:

school programs
marketing and promotions
development
programming
and more!

If you have enquired about volunteering and have not heard back – please accept our apologies. Our ability to respond on an ongoing basis is limited. Rest assured, we are very excited to meet you! We look forward to the chance to talk with you about our volunteer opportunities.

September 22, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Bhangra Unleashed: UBC Girlz Dancestravaganza!

See bhangra at its finest with this exciting performance by the UBC Girlz, a dynamic, high energy South Asian folk dance group that revolutionized the art form in Vancouver and beyond.

UBC Girlz is the first all-female bhangra team to enter and place in the international bhangra competition circuit, against heavy weight competitions like UCLA's Bruin Bhangra, South Beach Bhangra Miami, Zee TV New York and Vancouver’s own VIBC Competition.

Mo Dhaliwal, Director of Vancouver International Bhangra Society (VIBC) will lead a lively discussion in conversation with this ground-breaking Vancouver dance troupe. Don’t miss out this unique presentation, held in the sleek and intimate Bhangra.me Performance Lounge. Limited number of seats, please RSVP.

$15 includes admission to Bhangra.me exhibition
Members Free | rsvp@museumofvancouver.ca

October 06, 2011 / 7:00 PM

Curator's Talk & Tour - Bhangra.me, Collaboration, and Culture

Bhangra.me Curator Talk & Tour

You've seen the dance and listened to the music. Now join the conversation.

Join MOV's Curator of Contemporary Issues, Viviane Gosselin and guest curator Naveen Girn, for an intimate and interactive guided tour of Bhangra.me, a special exhibition produced in collaboration with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC), which chronicles Bhangra music, dance, and politics in Vancouver.

This tour and discussion will highlight on the innovative curatorial collaboration and process of cultural dialogue that comprises the core of this unique production.

Don't miss out on this final Talk & Tour for Bhangra.me!

7PM start.
Admission Free for Members | Included with Admission to Bhangra.me

October 22, 2011 / 10:00 AM

Not "Just" Bhangra!

Calling all Bhangra fans!

Join MOV and VIBC for a full day of family-friendly fun in the groundbreaking Bhangra.me feature exhibition.

Starting at 10am, this special all-day program is bursting with opportunities to experience Not "Just" Bhangra, but the food, people, and ideas that bring it all to life.

Choose from activites including: live performances, hands-on workshops teaching various levels of dance, drumming (dhol and tumbi), a special spoken word (Boliyan) "throwdown", storytelling, roundtable discussions on “Gender and Bhangra”, “Future Bhangra”, "Professionalizing Bhangra".

Great for the whole family, this multi-generational special event will also feature a Special Senior's Lounge, Photobooth, and guided mini-tours of Bhangra.me!

Lunch is included with admission, and will be provided by Sutra Vancouver

$17 individual / $55 family / $12 Students & Seniors / MOV Members $15

*group rates available, inquire via: rsvp@museumofvancouver.ca

Online ticketing: http://notjustbhangra.eventbrite.com

December 23, 2011

Going, going, but never gone: Bhangra.me

December 08, 2011

Bhangra Storymap Lives On!

Video (Posted: 15/11/11)

Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver on Studio 4 with Fanny Keifer

Director, Exhibitions & Collections Museum of Vancouver, Joan Seidl, speaks with Studio 4 with Host Fanny Kiefer about Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver. The Museum of Vancouver presents a fascinating look at the rapid growth of neon signs throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s, and the visual purity crusade that virtually banished them from Vancouver streets.

Video (Posted: 02/11/11)

Bhangra.me: Interview with Curator Viviane Gosselin

What is Bhangra? MOV Curator of Contemporary Issues, Viviane Gosselin shares her unique perspective on this dynamic art form and its place in Vancouver. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story runs at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - January 1st, 2012, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society.

Video (Posted: 27/10/11)

Bhangra's Unique History in Vancouver

It's not just about the light bulb move. Vancouver's Bhangra story started way back in the 60s, and has grown into an international phenomenon. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story is on Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - January 1st, 2011, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society.

Video (Posted: 02/08/12)

Burberry Buttons by Tobias Wong

Tobias re-appropriated the plaid pattern associated with the high-end fashion house, Burberry, to create an everyday object that anyone could have. They were widely distributed in NYC. Just a year after Tobias 'stole' the pattern, Burberry copied the so-called knock-offs and they appeared on coats in Burberry ads.

Video (Posted: 04/08/11)

Bhangra.me Interview with VIBC Director

Bhangra is a form of dance and music that originates in South Asia, but has grown and expanded across the world. Hear what Mo Dhaliwal, director with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society, has to say about Bhangra in Vancouver. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story is on at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - October 23, 2011, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society.

Video (Posted: 02/08/12)

The Ballistic Rose by Tobias Wong

Created of army ballistic material, the Ballistic Rose comments on post 9/11 fragility and paranoia. It is at once a symbol of something delicate and fragile, but created of army-grade indestructible materials. Worn above the heart, it becomes a protector.

Video (Posted: 04/08/11)

Labour of Love: Bhangra + Worker's Rights

Not just a type of dance or music, Bhangra has been used as a tool for social movements and organization. Find out how Bhangra was used to organize farm workers in the 70s and 80s in Metro Vancouver. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story is on at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - January 1st, 2011, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society. Video filmed, edited and produced by Naveen Girn.

Video (Posted: 30/01/11)

Sweaterlodge on the Express

Johanna of the Express speaks to Stephanie Robb, co-curator of SweaterLodge Unlatched

Video (Posted: 04/08/11)

Dance Like a Man: Gender and Bhangra

Dancing like a man? Gender bending? Hear what Vancouver-based dancers have to say about women performing a dance traditionally performed by men many, many years ago. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story is on at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - January 1st, 2012, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society. Video filmed, edited and produced by Naveen Girn.

Video (Posted: 16/04/12)

Green Couch Sessions w/ Adaline in the Neon/Ugly gallery

Artist: Adaline with Adrian Glynn, Song: The Noise [Text from Green Couch Sessions] Since Adaline's album dropped earlier this year we have had "The Noise" on repeat. We sing it to each other and dance around to it's edgy lyrics and haunting tone. The natural hummm of the Neon Exhibit at The Museum of Vancouver made for a perfect audio and visual backdrop for this super charged session. Not only did we rock out in the Neon room but we got to explore the vintage clothing exhibit happening in the gallery next door. It was one of the best Monday mornings the Green Couch has ever had.

Video (Posted: 15/07/11)

Amanda Gibbs at Interesting Vancouver

Amanda talks about the future of museums and their role in the community.

Video (Posted: 15/02/10)

Animal Whisperer at the Museum of Vancouver

The Animal Whisperer visits the Ravishing Beasts exhibit.

Video (Posted: 15/11/11)

Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver interview with Novus TV

Maike Evers from Novus TV's City Lights program talks with the MOV about the Neon Vancouver | Ugly Vancouver exhibition.

Video (Posted: 08/02/13)

Videographer Gwen Haworth talks about creating the Sex Talk videos

Videographer Gwen Haworth speaks about her involvement in the making of Sex Talk in the City and the use of vintage sex education footage.

Video (Posted: 10/01/11)

Home Grown Mini Documentary

Home Grown was a photographic exploration of local food production and sustainable farming in Vancouver and the surrounding region, presented by MOV and FarmFolkCityFolk. As part of Fire and Light Media Group's "Meet your farmer" short documentary series, they spoke with Brian and toured the exhibit on it's last open day.

Video (Posted: 31/01/13)

Object(ing) Opening Night by Gordon Wong

A stunning video of the opening night of Object(ing): The art/design of Tobias Wong created by his brother, Gordon Wong.

Video (Posted: 27/10/11)

Vancouver's Bhangra: A Transnational Sound

How is Vancouver Bhangra different from the UK or India? Local DJs and musicians share their take on global Bhangra music. Includes interviews with DJ Sanj and En Karma musician Nick Chowlia. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story is on at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - October 23, 2011, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society. Video filmed, edited and produced by Naveen Girn.

Video (Posted: 16/11/12)

MOV Retail Collection on Go! Vancouver

Host Johanna Ward visits the Museum of Vancouver to talk with the MOV's Director of Development and Marketing about our new retail collection and one of our retail partners, Harvey Burritt of 2nd Century Rugs.

Video (Posted: 04/08/11)

Bhangra.me Interview with Amanda Gibbs

Hear why the Museum of Vancouver partnered with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society on the groundbreaking Bhangra.me Exhibition. An interview with Director Audience Engagement, Amanda Gibbs. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story runs at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - October 23, 2011, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society.

Video (Posted: 02/08/12)

Gold Pills and Silver Pills by Tobias Wong

What's better than owning gold? Being gold! Tobias eagerly pointed out that if you eat gold flake, you shit gold. At the height of consumption, expensive gold becomes scatology in the guise of luxury.

Video (Posted: 04/08/11)

Bhangra.me Interview with Guest Curator Naveen Girn

What is Bhangra? Co-Curator and Cultural Researcher Naveen Girn shares his insight into why Bhangra holds an important place in Vancouver's history. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story is on at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - October 23, 2011, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society.

Video (Posted: 30/07/12)

The Province talks about Reading the Riot Boards

Dana Gee from the province speaks with Curator of Programming, Hanna Cho, about Reading the Riot Boards and where Vancouver stands one year after the 2011 Stanely Cup hockey riots.

Video (Posted: 04/08/11)

Bhangra: The Sound + The Artist

Sarangi player Billa Thakar talks about Bhangra and the role of instruments and sound. A beautiful example of Indian stringed instrument, the sarangi. Bhangra.me: Vancouver's Bhangra Story is on at Museum of Vancouver from May 5 - October 23, 2011, and is co-produced with Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society. Video filmed, edited and produced by Naveen Girn.

Video (Posted: 09/05/12)

Art Deco Chic on Ahorn TV (starts at 12:38)

Ahorn TV covers the Art Deco Chic opening night and talks to the curators Claus Jahnke and Ivan Sayers, MOV CEO Nancy Noble, and many of the fabulously dressed guests.

Video (Posted: 30/10/09)

Ravishing Beasts: The Gentle Art of Museum Conservation

Ravishing Beasts ran at the MOV from October 22, 2009 - February 28, 2010. It was one of the museum's most popular exhibitions.

Video (Posted: 15/06/09)

Hipster Vancouver at the Museum of Vancouver

Hipster Vancouver visits the Velo-City exhibit

Video (Posted: 02/02/12)

Interview with Art Deco Chic curators Ivan Sayers & Claus Jahnke

Join us while Art Deco Chic curators Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke talk fashion of the 1920s and 1930s in the art deco style. The exhibition will be at the Museum of Vancouver from March 8 - September 23, 2012.