The country's first permanent cultural space aimed at celebrating the heritage of Chinese Canadians is being unveiled in Vancouver's historic Chinatown.
The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s Chinatown Storytelling Centre at 168 E. Pender Street officially opens Nov. 6.
The space presents the stories of early Chinese immigrants through displays and kiosks featuring archival short films. The new centre contains over 100 story contributions from Chinese Canadians of all ages, social backgrounds, and immigration histories.
"We hope that people come through this and they feel proud of their history; it is an important part of our Canadian history," explains Vancouver Chinatown Foundation chair Carol Lee.
Highlights include an opportunity to create a digital postcard, an interactive pagoda-style phone booth, and an augmented reality app that enables users to experience the sights and sounds of Chinatown in the 20th century.
"I think it will be a great addition for people today and future generations of understanding the contribution that the Chinese Canadians have made, but as one example of many nationalities that have come from all over the world to make Canada the multicultural country it is today," says Lee.
A gift shop, adjacent to the centre, will also be selling an assortment of home goods, stationery, art, and jewellery.
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre will be open Thursdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
