PechaKucha New West is returning to its old stomping grounds to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
The popular event is celebrating a decade of presentations by returning to River Market – the place where the Volume 1 was held on in January 2012. Volume 31 – the 10th anniversary edition, takes place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m.
Downtown New West residents Neal and Melinda Michael spearheaded Pecha in New Westminster. Given the city's strong sense of history and community spirit, as well as its burgeoning arts, business and culinary scene, they thought it would be a perfect fit for New West.
Founded in Tokyo in 2003, PechaKucha events have now spread to more than a thousand cities around the world. Events feature presenters who show 20 slides for 20 seconds each, giving them six minutes and 40 seconds to offer ideas and inspire others.
"By bringing PechaKucha to New West we're celebrating that local culture and helping to create a new narrative about the city based on the people living and working in it today," Neal told the Record in 2012. "We hope the audience will be inspired to indulge their own passions by the people they see and hear at the event."
Since that inaugural event, PechaKucha New West events have been held at various venues around the city, including Massey Theatre, Anvil Centre and Westminster Pier Park. Volume 31 features the following speakers: John Bishop; Jonathan Blasberg; Steve Coeztee; Louise Cournoyer; Julia Falci; Patrick Johnstone; Jason Marr; Albert Normandin; Jasmine Pullukatt; Iulia Sincraian; and Jerald Walliser.
“Join your host, Ria Renouf, and our speakers as they share their ideas, stories, and creations using the PechaKucha format of 20 images that last 20 seconds each,” said a notice about the upcoming event. “Laugh, learn, and get inspired by a diverse collection of people from New Westminster.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. and presentations begin at 8 p.m. Refreshments will be available. Tickets are $11.06 (includes a service fee) and they’re selling fast.
