The Burnaby Festival of Learning thrives because of community members, educators, artists, researchers, and organizations like you who share their knowledge and passion with others. If you have an idea for a learning experience—whether it's a workshop, talk, guided tour, hands-on session, or something entirely new—we'd love to hear from you.
What We're Looking For
We welcome diverse, experiential, and lifelong learning experiences across four main areas: arts and crafts, science and technology, gardens/environment/sustainability, and community stories. But these categories are just starting points. If your idea fosters curiosity, builds skills, celebrates our community, or opens new perspectives, it belongs at the Burnaby Festival of Learning.
The best sessions are those that invite people to participate rather than simply listen. We love workshops where hands get dirty, conversations where voices are heard, tours that reveal hidden corners of Burnaby, and talks that spark questions. We're equally interested in sessions led by seasoned professionals and those led by passionate community members with lived experience to share.
Our Collaborative Spirit
Hosting an event with us isn't about going it alone. We partner with local libraries, post-secondary institutions like SFU and BCIT, and community organizations throughout Burnaby. If you're already connected to one of these partners, wonderful—we can work together to bring your vision to life. If you're an independent artist, educator, or small business, we'll support you in finding the right venue, audience, and resources to make your session successful.
We believe that learning happens best in inclusive spaces where all community members feel welcome. As a host, you'll be part of creating that environment. We encourage sessions that reflect Burnaby's diversity, that welcome people of all ages and abilities, and that prioritize accessibility and belonging.
How Hosting Fits Into Our Festival
The Burnaby Festival of Learning opens doors to explore current events and knowledge frontiers. We create the platform; you bring the expertise and enthusiasm. Throughout the year, we host a range of events—some clustered around our main festival period, others woven into the fabric of community life in Burnaby. Whether your session reaches twenty people or two hundred, whether it happens in a library meeting room, a university classroom, a community garden, or a studio space, it contributes to our shared mission of making learning accessible, exciting, and relevant to everyone.
As a host, you'll be featured on our website and promoted through our newsletter, social media, and community partnerships. Your event becomes part of our collective story—a testament to the incredible knowledge and creativity that exists right here in Burnaby.
Types of Learning Experiences We Welcome
- Hands-on workshops in arts, crafts, technology, or sustainability
- Talks, panels, and presentations on topics of community interest
- Guided tours and nature walks
- Community storytelling sessions and oral histories
- Skill-building classes and demonstrations
- Interactive science or environmental activities
- Artist residencies and creative collaborations
- Professional development or mentorship sessions
Getting Started
If you have an idea brewing, we encourage you to reach out. Tell us about your learning experience—what you want to share, who you hope to reach, and what success looks like to you. Share your vision with us, and let's explore how we can make it happen together. We're here to listen, collaborate, and support you in bringing your passion for learning to the Burnaby community.
Whether you're an established educator with years of experience, an artist looking to share your craft, a researcher with exciting findings to discuss, a small business owner with skills to teach, or simply a community member with a story worth telling—you have a place here. The Burnaby Festival of Learning is built on the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and we can't wait to learn what you want to share.
Connect with us to propose a diverse, experiential, lifelong learning event. We make notes of every single proposal we receive, and your ideas really make a difference in shaping the future of learning in Burnaby. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on festival opportunities and community events throughout the year.