Cultural events carry a different kind of weight. They’re not just gatherings — they’re moments of recognition, storytelling, and connection. When you’re supporting an event like the First Nations Art Award Ceremony, the technical work behind the scenes has one purpose: to honour the voices, performances, and traditions being shared.
This year, the BC Achievement Foundation once again hosted the annual ceremony at the Roundhouse Community Centre, bringing together artists, Elders, families, and community members to celebrate Indigenous art and creative excellence. StreamCity supported the evening with a focused AV setup built around clarity, respect, and reliability.
Understanding What These Events Need — Long Before Setup Begins
Producing AV for cultural ceremonies isn’t about making things flashy. It’s about listening.
Before any equipment was set up, the StreamCity team worked closely with the organizers to understand:
How the ceremony would flow
Which moments needed amplified sound
Where lighting should support — not distract
How to ensure the livestream reflected the importance of the evening
How to keep everything respectful, unobtrusive, and smooth
For events like this, the goal is simple: create a technical environment that protects the experience, not competes with it.
Building the Right AV Foundation
Clear, Balanced Audio for Every Voice
Cultural drumming. Elders speaking. Artists sharing their stories.
Every moment needed to be heard clearly — in the room and online.
Our audio setup included:
Lectern and wireless microphones
A balanced speaker layout to avoid hot spots or dead zones
A digital mix that adapted throughout the night
Good audio is invisible — and that’s exactly how it should be at a ceremony like this.
Projection & Playback That Supported the Storytelling
The ceremony included visual presentations and media that had to run seamlessly.
We operated:
PowerPoint presentations
Media playback
Confidence monitor support
Video feeds sent to the venue’s projectors
The technical side remained out of sight so the content itself could take the lead.
Lighting Designed for Atmosphere, Not Spotlight
Stage wash lighting and uplighting were used to complement the room and ensure presenters were clear on camera.
Nothing harsh. Nothing theatrical.
Just lighting that helped the room feel grounded and respectful.
Livestreaming: Bringing the Ceremony Beyond the Room
The First Nations Art Award Ceremony reaches far beyond Vancouver, which made the multi-platform livestream a key part of the night.
StreamCity provided:
A multi-camera setup, covering wide, medium, and close angles
A clean livestream feed to online audiences
Recording for BCAF’s archival use
The goal wasn’t just to “broadcast.”
It was to extend the experience to families, communities, and supporters across BC and beyond.
When Technical Work Disappears, Cultural Moments Can Shine
The best AV support is the kind you barely notice — because everything just works.
At this year’s ceremony:
Every speaker was clearly heard
Every cultural moment — from drumming to presentations — was captured faithfully
The livestream connected people who couldn’t be in the room
The technology enhanced the evening instead of sitting in the spotlight
And that’s exactly how it should be for events rooted in culture, celebration, and community.
Planning a Cultural or Community Event? Here’s What to Consider
Whether you're organizing a ceremony, awards event, or community celebration, keep these fundamentals in mind:
Prioritize clarity: Audio is the backbone of any event.
Match lighting to the tone: Soft, even lighting helps create an inviting space.
Make visuals reliable: Presentations need smooth playback and proper support.
Record and stream when appropriate: It expands your impact and accessibility.
Choose an AV partner who understands community-focused work.
Looking Ahead
We’re grateful for the trust of the BC Achievement Foundation and honoured to support cultural events that uplift artists, community voices, and Indigenous excellence.
If you're planning a similar ceremony or community-focused gathering, we’d be glad to help you build an AV foundation that feels grounded, intentional, and reliable.
👉 Visit StreamCity.ca to book a consultation
