49. Visions of Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is a vibrant cultural hub, and these two locally published titles capture both its striking visual ambience, which draws countless photographers and visitors to its streets, and the rich and diverse histories contained within. Donna Seto’s gorgeous illustrations of the neighbourhood’s historical buildings are collected in Chinatown Vancouver, alongside interviews with community members and information about these cultural sites. Carol Lee, founder of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, joins us with Vitality, pairing stunning photographs of Chinatown in the ‘50s, ’60s, and ’70s with interviews and historical insights gathered by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. This event will be a feast for the eyes, while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Chinatown’s communities. Moderated by Anna Ling Kaye.

Presented in partnership with Chinatown Storytelling Centre.

This event is open to everyone, and has been curated with the Pro-D day for teachers in mind. Teachers may be interested in the following information. This event is also suitable for students in grades 10–12.

Themes: Pro-D, history, community, tradition, immigration, visual art
Curriculum Connections: Explorations in Social Studies 11, Comparative Cultures 12, Visual Arts 11-12

More information about the Festival:
Box Office | Accessibility | Venue Map

Event Participants:

Carol Lee

CAROL LEE is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Linacare Cosmetherapy, headquartered in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown district. With long-standing family ties to the history and development of Chinatown, she is deeply committed to the revitalization of Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside. She is Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee, and Honorary Patron of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society, and serves on boards of several other organizations. In 2016, she was appointed to the Finance Minister of Canada’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth.

Anna Ling Kaye

ANNA LING KAYE is a writer, editor, and columnist on CBC Radio. Her fiction has been shortlisted for the PEN Canada New Voices Prize and the Journey Prize, and received the 2021 RBC Bronwen Wallace Award.

Donna Seto

DONNA SETO is a writer, self-taught artist, and occasional academic. During the pandemic, she revisited her long-lost passion for art and started drawing buildings in Chinatown. Donna has a PhD in politics and international relations. She lives in Vancouver.