CARAVAN WORLD RHYTHMS SOCIETY

Caravan World Rhythms Society is a Canadian non-profit charitable organization founded in 2000 and based in British Columbia, operating primarily in the Vancouver and Victoria regions. The society is dedicated to presenting and promoting world music and dance through a year-round series of performances, cultural festivals, and educational events. Its mission focuses on providing high-quality, engaging live cultural entertainment featuring artists from diverse cultures and backgrounds, both from Canada and internationally[2][5].

Mission and Objectives

The organization aims to:

• Deliver engaging live cultural entertainment with artists representing diverse traditions from Canada and abroad.

• Offer audiences an authentic experience of the “spirit” intrinsic to traditional and contemporary music and dance expressions.

• Support talented local and Canadian world musicians and dancers by enhancing their exposure and integration into the local arts community.

• Develop innovative audience participation methods to foster shared musical and dance experiences.

• Facilitate thematic festivals highlighting various cultural arts, such as those of Tibet, West Africa, Indonesia, and the Balkans[2].

Programming and Impact

Caravan World Rhythms has a strong reputation for presenting both renowned and lesser-known musical traditions and artists. Notable past performers include Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Salif Keita, Goran Bregovic, and Les Ballets National de Guinée. The society also showcases unique forms like polyphonic choirs from southern France and northern Italy, throat-singing from Tuva, Mbira music from Zimbabwe, as well as Balinese gamelan music and dance[2][5].

The society embraces evolving cultural expressions by supporting collaborations and fusions between artists from different traditions and genres. Events take place in a variety of venues across Vancouver and Victoria, ranging from intimate spaces to large-capacity halls and outdoor settings during summer[5].

Cultural Festivals and Events

Over the years, Caravan has organized thematic festivals such as the Tibetan Cultural Festival, Africa Fete festival, and the Ederlezi Balkan Brass Festival. The organization works closely with local artists, arts organizations, and international performers to foster cultural exchange and community engagement through the arts. Their programming aims to strengthen intercultural understanding and celebrate global musical heritage[2][5].

Business Registration Number: 862800794RR0001

The organization is legally registered as a nonprofit society under Canadian regulations.

This overview highlights Caravan World Rhythms Society’s significant role in enriching the cultural landscape of British Columbia by facilitating access to world music and dance traditions and encouraging artistic collaboration.