As the weather gets hotter and hotter, there might be quite a number of ways to beat the heat — of which, a visit to the mall could be one of the more fun, cheaper things to do.
Your neighbourhood shopping mall, Metropolis at Metrotown, is all set to welcome summer with new events, activities and experiences for people of all ages to enjoy.
Starting July 21and continuing until Sept. 24, Metropolis will transform into a must-visit summer destination featuring art installations around the mall, a Pride dance, interactive outdoor and indoor spaces, indoor parks, workshops and more.
For the outdoor lovers, the mall’s outdoor space at the South Plaza will turn into a “lively and inspiring summer oasis,” according to a news release.
The transformed South Plaza will feature art installations — including the unveiling of a new installation and floor mural curated produced by creative placemaking and public art firm, MASSIVart.
An immersive sculptural work, Hymn to the Big Wheel, exploring the illusion and physicality of colour and natural light in space, by acclaimed British artist Liz West, will be installed at the outdoor plaza.
The artwork, consisting of a multi-coloured octagon nestled within a larger octagonal shape, will allow viewers to reposition and align themselves to differing coloursways and witness a changing scope of colours mixing right before their eyes.
The hand-painted floor mural is the work of artists Trevor Wheatley and Cosmo Dean; the mural, designed to offer a new sense of welcome to the revamped outdoor space, will showcase the importance of community — representing the outdoor nature of summer season in Vancouver area.
That’s not all — visitors to the outdoor plaza can also sit and enjoy refreshing beverages and sweet and savoury treats while soaking in the sunshine — a perfect summer experience.
For those who want to stay indoors and keep cool, the mall will open multiple mini indoor “parks” for the whole family to gather, have an indoor picnic and have fun. The largest of the parks will be located in the grand court.
On Friday, Aug. 4, in celebration of Burnaby Pride, the mall will host a series of live dance performances by FakeKnot Arts Society in the South Plaza at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
The FakeKnot Arts Society is the umbrella entity for collaborative performance works that play with the complexities of identity and culture through costume, sound, technology, and movement.
It is grounded in street, commercial, and contemporary dance techniques that honour the queer, POC (person of colour) identity of artistic director Ralph Escamillan.
The performance, also curated by MASSIVart, was created in response to Liz West’s art installation, where five performers will activate the sculpture and interact with its vivid kaleidoscope of colours through movements that knot together.
Aside from these performances, there will also be summer workshops from The Heart Company, teaching how to plant delicious thriving herbs, arts and crafts workshops and other performances.
What’s more? For every participant at the workshop, Metropolis at Metrotown will be donating $5 to the Burnaby Hospital Foundation. For the full schedule of workshops, visit mall’s website.
Metrotown mall will give back to the Burnaby Hospital Foundation by donating a percentage of proceeds raised through “Summer At The Met” events and activities — including your summer shopping spree.
For the shopaholics, the MET Passport Challenge could be your calling.
Walk to the mall’s guest services centre to pick up your MET Passport Challenge booklet and embark on a shopping adventure. Collect stamps as you go at participating retailers; you can earn stamps for trying free samples, taking selfies, collecting items from participating businesses or making purchases. Stamps can be redeemed for mall merchandise and you might even win one of three $300 shopping sprees.
Summer at the Met
When: July 21 to Sept. 24
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown
For more information and schedule, visit website.
