Event spotlights clean air, community care, and award-winning talent
August 22, 2024 (Vancouver, BC) – On September 15, 2024, a coalition of community groups will present Vancouver’s second annual Clean Air Festival. From 1-6:30 pm, Clean Air 604, Clean Air in BC Schools, DoNoHarm BC, Masks 4 East Van, Millions Missing BC, Protect Our Province BC, SolidAIRity GVRD, Safe Schools Coalition BC, Spring Vancouver, and Vancouver Still Cares will join forces to present a COVID-safer, immuno-inclusive hybrid event, taking place in-person at Slocan Park and digitally via livestream and recording.
The event features a DIY air purifier-building workshop, tabling, children’s games and activities from 1:00 pm, with a stage magic performance at 3:45 pm and an outdoor concert from 4:30 pm. Masks, rapid tests, zines and DIY fit test kits will be available while supplies last. Air purifiers from the workshop will be donated to schools via Clean Air in BC Schools, and to vulnerable community members via Masks 4 East Van.
Festival organizer Dr. Karina Zeidler explains, “The issue of clean air couldn’t be more timely, between high COVID spread, the newly-declared mpox emergency, and wildfire smoke related to the accelerating climate crisis. One of the main goals of the festival is to bring together these diverse groups, artists, and activists who have been working hard on these issues. It’s a joyful celebration of solidarity, mutual aid and community care – as well as a way to align ourselves with those fighting against fascism, patriarchy, ableism, colonialism and capitalism.”
In keeping with the event’s mandate, the Clean Air Festival features robust safety and accessibility practices to ensure the inclusion of multiply-marginalized artists and community members. Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Rae Spoon (they/them) says, “Removing barriers for access is so important for community health and participation in the arts. Accessible outdoor shows are a great way to lower COVID transmission rates and I’ve done them all over Canada. The Clean Air Festival represents the efforts of so many people to centre access and community building in Vancouver. I’m very excited to play and be at the event!”
The 2024 Clean Air Festival features Spoon alongside local musical artists DANI YOUR DARLING, Kayli Jamieson and Geoff Berner (guest) and stage magician Travis Bernhardt. It also features emcee Roger Haskett and workshop facilitator Bryan Louis, Dr.sc., CAFS (NAFA-certified air filter specialist). The event is preceded by a casual online social night on September 8th, 6-8 pm.
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Clean Air Festival – Sunday, September 15, 2024, 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm at Slocan Park (2750 E 29th Ave. Vancouver) and via livestream. Registration and digital access at CleanAirFestival.com
Event summary: Enjoy a COVID-safer event featuring music, stage magic, workshops and more, outdoors and online at the second annual Clean Air Festival. Learn to build DIY air purifiers and get free masks, tests, zines and more while supplies last. Respirator-style masks required.
Event access: Free and by donation. Respirator-style masks (e.g. N95, KN95) required and available; please test before arrival, and refrain from wearing fragrances. Wheelchair accessible. Accessible all-gender restrooms on site. ASL interpretation for workshop upon request by August 29. Digital access and further info at CleanAirFestival.com.
About the organizers: Vancouver’s Clean Air Festival is an annual COVID-safer immuno-inclusive event featuring workshops, performances and community care, outdoors and online. Learn more about the event and this year’s presenting organizations at CleanAirFestival.com