About VIBC

The VIBC Society

Founded in 2004, the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society (VIBC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to elevating and promoting the Indian dance form of Bhangra, while strengthening the community we live in. VIBC organizes two major annual events, the City of Bhangra Festival and the NEXT Bhangra Competition, in addition to partnering with numerous arts and community events throughout the year.

As we continue to innovate and experiment with culture, community and performance, elements of our mission have changed over time as the organization has evolved and so, too, has the profile and prominence of Bhangra.

Why We are Here

To Strengthen Our Community
We believe the potential of Bhangra lies not only in the music and the dance, but also in the movement of celebration and togetherness that it is able to evoke. Inspired by the living tradition of Bhangra, we will employ dance and rhythms as a beacon to attract disparate communities and shatter barriers between people. Vancouver will know Bhangra, intimately, as a music and dance of the community.

To Elevate the Art Form
We will provide a venue for the performance of Bhangra and a platform for the exhibition of artistic excellence. We will create a network of strategic partners and engage in experiments spanning artistic disciplines and cultural forms. By engaging youth through practice and performance we will ensure that the living tradition of Bhangra thrives for generations. We will encourage innovation and development while exploring known traditions.

To Make Vancouver the Capital
The region has been a breeding ground for internationally acclaimed talent—from vocalists and musicians to an armada of award winning dance troupes—with a unique history dating back to the 60s. As Bhangra emerged from India and its renaissance was ignited in the UK, now it is Canada’s time. We will take leadership in the stewardship of this art form and communicate Vancouver’s intention to become Bhangra’s new capital: a source of excellence; a destination of choice for performance; and a forum for discourse on the future of Bhangra.