5X, a world-class festival celebrating South Asian youth culture, has announced its festival will take place this year from June 12 - 16, 2019. After a successful launch last year with incredible performances by Jasmine Sandlas and Sharry Mann at their Block Party in Surrey, 5X is set to host a week long festival featuring the best of South Asian music, art, fashion, and film. 5X is thankful for its sponsors - Creative BC, East India Carpets, and the City of Surrey.
Below is the line-up of events in June. Be sure to keep in touch with them @5Xfest and vibc.org to learn more and details about what talent will be at the various events!
May 31, 2019 - 5X Pre-Party: Following the success of last year’s first desi party at Celebrities Nightclub, we’re kicking off the 5X Fest for a night out in town.
June 12, 2019 - 5X Art Party: Showcasing local talent from Lower Mainland including fashion designers and visual artists, this night will feature young South Asian artists impacting art and fashion fans around the world.
June 13, 2019 - 5X Film Festival: Featuring five acclaimed short films from different regions from around the globe. Film-lovers and filmmakers alike will be inspired by this unique collection of stories spotlighting a myriad of South Asian Diasporic identities and experiences.
June 14, 2019 - 5X Ladies First Showcase: Our effort to address male bias in the music industry, this is a night featuring local female musicians poets, and comedians. All genders and sexualities are welcome to attend.
June 15, 2019 - 5X Block Party: Our flagship event and free party will take place again in Central Surrey. Featuring a mind-bending array of performers who defy the limitations of what it is to be South Asian. Some of the biggest headliners in the world meet the next generation of cutting-edge talent you’ll be thrilled to experience.
June 16, 2019 - 5X Creates: From the mysteries of building a social media following to pursuing your creative passions, learn from some of the most compelling South Asian creative professionals in the world in this afternoon of music-oriented workshops and panel discussions about the future of art, culture, and community-building.
Tarun Nayar, Executive Director of 5X, said, “We’re so excited to be hosting our second annual 5X Festival in Vancouver and Surrey. Over the last few years, we’ve celebrated the success of South Asian talents such as Lilly Singh and Rupi Kaur that have hit the mainstream and pushed barriers and boundaries for all South Asians across the globe. With 5X, our vision is to develop a global brand and community for South Asians to continue to grow in diverse modes of artistic expression.”
Locally, there is a strong ecosystem of South Asian creatives ranging from musicians, producers, performers, poets, and artists - however there has never been a platform for them to showcase their talent until the launch of 5X.
5X is the signature initiative by Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society (VIBC). Founded in 2004, VIBC is a charitable organization that previously hosted the well-known “City of Bhangra” Festival, bhangra competitions, and other events to bring awareness to and support South Asian arts. Last year, the team rebranded and launched 5X with the intention to create a space specifically for South Asian millennials.
For more details, visit https://www.vibc.org/5x-festival
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