The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival has launched a new program designed to make contemporary art more accessible for immigrants and refugees.

Titled Meet Your New Neighbour, the initiative will pair new Canadians and refugees with local volunteers and festival patrons, so that they may attend various 2016 PuSh Festival performances together.

The program will also provide participants with complimentary tickets and transportation subsidies. It will conclude with a celebratory gathering of participants, volunteers, and staff after the festival.

Meet Your New Neighbour joins a number of existing PuSh programs that are aimed at removing financial, cultural, and social barriers to the performing arts.

By offering new immigrants and refugees an opportunity to experience Vancouver’s performing arts scene and make new friends, the initiative also helps to alleviate the social isolation that many new Canadians face.

The PuSh Festival is now accepting applications for volunteer hosts to accompany refugees and new Canadians to the 2016 PuSh Festival, which takes place from January 19 to February 7, 2016.

To apply, visit the PuSh Festival’s website. The application deadline is January 10, 2016 at 5 p.m.