RJF Productions Photo
The Come Together 2019/20 launch party was held on June 21.
When finding a theme or an identity for a new year of programming at the Esplanade, a lot of consideration goes into the development of an idea. After all, this will be the anchor for what the Esplanade offers from September to June: More than 30 shows, more than 12 exhibitions and numerous educational programs and special community events. However, all these programs wouldn’t exist without the professionals that create them, the staff that work to make it happen and the public that comes to experience it all! This year at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, Come Together 2019/20 reflects just that: beyond the plethora of activities within this beautiful cultural hub of ours, what it does best is bring people together.
The seed
Looking back to what has been done in the past is always a good way to get started. After our 10th anniversary Esplanade@10, the 2016/17 year was coined #youresplanade. That, in simple terms, was a way to say “this is your cultural facility, come enjoy it!” By the way, these two years had the most visitors in our short history. The two subsequent years, you may recall Burning Down the House in 2017/18 or More More More last year. These were song titles that gave a good punch and set a solid tone for the year and the future. So it seemed fitting when starting to work on next year, at the end of the winter, to potentially continue on that same path. But how can we make this year a bit more meaningful?
The process
Back in early April 2019, with the provincial elections looming, we saw, perhaps more obviously and especially on social media, the division in the population. As a society, at the risk of me repeating the same alarms we keep hearing, we are facing the biggest challenges we have faced with global warming, the immigration crisis, the truth and reconciliation etc. Then I heard the Beatles song “Come Together” and, even though the meaning of the lyrics are not expressing what the title would mean to the Esplanade, I thought that was perfect, honest and meaningful! Plus, we have the Beatles in our Classic Albums Live Series this year (OK it’s “Sgt. Pepper’s” not “Abbey Road,” but still)!
So there you have it, it’s what we do best as humans, it’s a societal call to action, it is exactly what the Esplanade is about inside and out, and what it is made for; for you to gather with friends and family and experience the world through top quality arts and heritage. So in 2019/2020 Come Together at the Esplanade and connect with your community and the world!
Tobie Laliberte is the marketing/promotions coordinator at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre.
