By Tan Mei Xi

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With over 100 events showcasing Indigenous storytellers from diverse nations, conversations with matriarchs, Asian drag performers, gamelans and more, it's hard to imagine a more diverse arts festival in the city.

The 17th annual Heart of the City Festival wrapped up last weekend after two weeks of showcasing the culture of the Downtown Eastside. Even with pandemic restrictions in place, community organizations and residents rallied together to showcase the spirit of the neighbourhood.

For the Festival's associate artistic director, Savannah Walling, the Festival showcases the large amount of talent in the neighbourhood. Walling stressed that there are too many artists than she could name, but one artist she follows is the Anishinabek graffiti artist Larissa Healey. Healey's work can be found in venues as diverse as the National Gallery of Canada to the streets of the Downtown Eastside.

To learn about more Downtown Eastside artists, Walling encourages Vancouverites to check out the Festival and the videos of the Festival's events at www.heartofthecityfestival.com.