Public Dreams Society was a
non-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
organization and registered
charity
Charity may refer to:
Giving
* Charitable organization or charity, a non-profit organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being of persons
* Charity (practice), the practice of being benevolent, giving and sharing
* Ch ...
to celebrate and strengthen community spirit in
Vancouver
Vancouver ( ) is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the ...
. It was founded in 1985 by Dolly Hopkins, Paula Jardine and Lesley Fiddler. It promoted creative expression, turning passive consumption into active participation, and the experience of belonging within a community.
Its stated mission was to:
* Create artistically, innovative, culturally inclusive and environmentally sensitive productions
* Encourage creative collaborations and build fellowship among diverse communities
* Foster the fertile ground necessary to create and enhance community vitality
* Provide economic opportunities for local artists, communities and businesses
Its most notable community events included:
*
Illuminares
Illuminares is an annual lantern festival formerly held every summer in John Hendry Park (also known colloquially Trout Lake Park) in east Vancouver.
The first festival took place in 1989. In 2010, it moved to Canada Place, them returned to Joh ...
Lantern Procession (1989–2013)
*
Parade of Lost Souls
The ''Parade of Lost Souls'', is an annual event in Vancouver organized by Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret, which took over in 2013 from the Public Dreams Society. It takes place in East Vancouver, at a secret location disclosed the night before. It o ...
(1994–)
*
Mountain Mardi Gras (2006)
* Circus of Dreams (1997–2004)
The Society disbanded in 2013, issuing the following message:
Goodnight and Good Luck, Vancouver!
For over 25 years, Public Dreams has been a forerunner in Vancouver’s cultural landscape, creating inspired original frameworks for the community to gather and share unforgettable creative experiences. As 2013 draws to a end, Public Dreams also joyfully announces its closure and takes a much needed rest knowing it achieved what it set out to do—connect communities through creativity.
With this closure the current society membership and board sends endless gratitude to all who have helped it during its long life as one of Vancouver’s leading arts charities: founders, board members, artistic directors, producers, administrators, volunteers and more. Additionally, a very special thank you goes out to the people of Vancouver, for participating in all of the events Public Dreams has produced. The community’s involvement was the true magic and heart of the organization. And don’t fear—the legacy of Public Dreams will continue, with their two flagship signature events, Illuminares and Parade of Lost Souls being stewarded to other like-minded and very capable organizations. Watch for news of these in the coming months, we trust that the public will continue to support Illuminares and Parade of Lost Souls for years to come.
With love and great thanks!
External links
Archived copy of Public Dreams Society Parade of the Lost Souls Flickr Photo Pool
Culture of Vancouver
Organizations based in Vancouver
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