Culture Fest 2026 Program

Today, the Vic Theatre transforms into a portal to the world. At the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), our mission is to build a thriving community where every newcomer can truly belong. For over 50 years, we have worked to be the foundation for those starting a new chapter in Canada.
For many of you, today may feel like a familiar celebration. Culture Fest is a nod to our organization’s deep roots in FolkFest, the iconic festival that brought our city together for so many years. ICA is, once again, proud to provide a platform for the incredible talent that lives right next door. While some of the artists you see today are ICA clients and others are partners from across the region, they all share one thing in common. They have brought world-class artistry from their homelands to enrich our city.
By being here, you are part of this song and movement. You are helping us prove that when many cultures come together, we don’t just co-exist, we create one beautiful and strong community. This isn’t just a performance. It’s a movement. It’s the pulse of our city. Turn it up.
Hope you enjoy the show.
Shelly D’Mello
CEO, ICA
Schedule
4:00 PM | THE GATHERING
Land Acknowledgement
Welcome Address by Shelly D’Mello
An Introduction
4:20 PM | ACT I: ECHOES OF HOME
Kalyna Ukrainian Choir
Maria Burgos
Peru Folklore
4:55 PM | ACT II: GLOBAL RHYTHMS
Soul of Vietnam
Victoria Bengali Cultural Society
5:30 PM | ACT III: BOLD & BOUNDLESS
Dani B.
Natalia Fedko
Travelling Bodies Dance Company
6:05 PM | CLOSING
Final Bows & Special Thanks
Participant’s Connection with ICA
- “Since moving here, ICA has been very kind helping my family to connect with the community and offering opportunities and overall support.” Dani B
- “Anastasia is a Settlement Worker Specialist (BC Newcomer Services)… She is a singer in our choir, and she told us about Culture Fest 2026.” Kalyna from Ukrainian Choir.
- “I have been a member of ICA since spring 2024. This organization helped me to learn more about Canadian culture and lifestyle.” Natalia Fedko.
- “Through the Career Path program at ICA, I developed a professional integration plan that gave me tools and knowledge to get immersed in the local art and cultural field in Victoria.” Isabel Gonzales from Perú Folklore.
- “This is our first opportunity to perform with ICA, and it is truly a privilege… Through workshops and programs, I experienced warmth, professionalism, and invaluable guidance.” Helen from Soul of Vietnam.
- “I participated in the Game Changer program in 2023, which supported me to develop skills to put into practice my goals.” Vitor Freitas from Travelling Bodies Dance Company.
Thank you for being part of our story!
At ICA, we work year-round to ensure that every newcomer has the support, resources, and community they need to thrive. Your presence at the event is a beautiful start and your support can take us even further.
If you feel inspired by these performances, we will be accepting cash or tap donations at the front desk.
Prefer to give online? Donate here
Don’t forget to follow us on social media and share your photos from today using #ICACultureFest2026.
Thank you for your generosity, your applause, and for being part of our one community.
A special thank you to our volunteers for making this event happen.
Ways To Give
Your tax-deductible donation helps ICA welcome, support and provide much-needed services for immigrants and refugees as they settle into the community. There are many ways to give a gift that has a direct, positive impact on the lives of newcomers. Donate or volunteer today!
Volunteer
We value volunteering as an opportunity to welcome newcomers and build a respectful and inclusive community. We appreciate the wonderful work of our volunteers for all that they do to make ICA what is today. For this we are very grateful!
Private Sponsorship of Refugees
ICA's Private Sponsorship of Refugees program works with local sponsorship groups to support individuals and families coming to Canada through approved UNHCR and IRCC refugee programs.