Whistler’s iconic Audain Art Museum will host the launch event for 2017’s BC Culture Days this year.

The event is set for September 28, kick-starting the weekend roster of free public activities that will run across the province from September 29 to October 1.

The launch event will include an opening ceremony, a live art-making challenge for youth ages 13 to 18, free access to the museum’s art collections, and a lineup of local musicians. The finalized program will be announced in September.

Culture Days weekend is an annual event that celebrates B.C.'s cultural life with a number of free public events that offer people a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of artists in their communities.

Whistler was asked to host the event by the BC Culture Days Steering Committee. The city has developed Culture Days programming through a series of community planning sessions, led by Maureen Douglas, Arts Whistler’s executive director.

In a press release, Douglas spoke to the community’s excitement about putting on a celebration of B.C.’s cultural identity.

“We look forward to having the community discover and participate in Whistler’s diverse cultural places and programs,” said Douglas in a press release.

More information on BC Culture Days can be found here.