PROJECTS

The Portuguese Centre is a non-profit organization created to promote harmony, education, and culture in and about the Luso-Canadian community of Canada. The focus on advocacy, education and the promotion of arts+culture events relating to the Portuguese-speaking world in Canada has seen the evolution of various projects worth noting:

PUBLICATION: Lusitânia - Canada's publication celebrating the Portuguese world publishing articles in Portuguese, English and French. It is published by the Portuguese Centre (Vancouver, Canada) with over 30,000 readership distributed free to organizations across the country and via paid subscriptions. www.lusitania.ca

FESTIVAL: Portuguese Heritage Month – over 50 events are programmed during the month of June in this multi-discipline festival of events celebrating the heritage that was built by the Portuguese. Proclaimed by the province of British Columbia Attorney General and Minister of Multiculturalism, this is the biggest feast in celebration of all Portuguese-speaking cultures within our country of Canada. www.portuguesemonth.com

PERFORMING ARTS: Our organization presents professional artists from time to time as well as supporting concert series and partnering with other organizations. Past presentations include Sara Tavares, An Evening of Fado, Margens Traditional Folk, Sara Marreiros Trio, Helena Lavouras Quartet. Concert tours of BC include Suzana da Camara (Kelowna, Penticton, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler), Pe de Cana (Sooke, Vancouver) and supporting major artists in partnership including Mariza, Ana Moura, Helder Moutinho, Seu Jorge, Cesaria Evora, and many more.

FILM: The Portuguese Film & Video Festival is a celebration of the art form from the Portuguese-speaking world and Luso-descendents. The Festival creates an official program with information provided by the artist/producer, showcases the films in a theatre and promotes the events to an audience at large that include other Festivals directors and producers as well as television-buyers. www.portuguesefilm.com

PROUD CAMPAIGN: Proud to be Portuguese-Canadian campaign began in 2005. From time to time, a public figure (currently using artists) provides their face to lead a marketing campaign across Canada. Posters, cards, web-exposure and more are created with this person's image and distributed wide. The individual is a Portuguese-Canadian identified and proud of their roots. www.portuguesecanadian.com

YOUTH: JOVENSvancouver is a volunteer, not-for-profit group with a focus on practical action to further develop, encourage, and empower the participation of youth in the processes and decisions that affect the Portuguese Canadian community. www.jovensvancouver.com

GLBT: Arco Iris BC is a social and support group for BGLTQ individuals interested in the development of the Portuguese-speaking cultures while celebrating sexual diversity in British Columbia, Canada. www.arcoirisbc.com

PORTUGUESE VANCOUVER - We are now in the building stages for the Greater Vancouver Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and urge all businesses and professionals of Portuguese heritage to sign up. More Information