VICTORIA, BC — Since 2008, Rifflandia Festival has reimagined Victoria’s urban spaces as vibrant stages for music and connection. To mark its 15th anniversary, the Royal BC Museum is teaming up with Rifflandia for a special installation in the Pocket Gallery, celebrating the artists and ideas that have shaped the festival’s identity. On now through the beginning of January 2026.
“This installation is a powerful extension of Beyond the Beat, highlighting how music not only entertains but also inspires action,” says Jodi Giesbrecht, Vice President of Archives, Collections and Research at the Royal BC Museum. “Rifflandia’s history is rich with artists who’ve used their platforms to challenge injustice, and we’re proud to celebrate that legacy in the Pocket Gallery.”
More than a music festival, Rifflandia has long been a platform for change. The display highlights performers who use their voices to speak out on urgent issues—from climate justice and gender equality to political resistance. A companion to the museum’s feature exhibition Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change, the display explores the power of music to challenge the status quo and spark action.
Featured voices include Public Enemy, Pussy Riot, Moby, Macklemore and Courtney Love—artists known for publicly confronting injustice and elevating community voices.
“This was such a fantastic opportunity for us to not only highlight our contribution to the West Coast music scene but also a chance to showcase artists that fought for causes that are central to our own value systems”, says Jill Van Gyn, Director of Business Development, Rifflandia Entertainment Co. “Today, more than ever, we need art to intersect with the power of resistance and change.”
The collaboration continues beyond the gallery. On July 1, during Victoria’s Canada Day festivities produced by Rifflandia Entertainment Co., the Royal BC Museum will host a Beyond the Beat–themed booth, featuring an interactive pedal-powered record player. In September during Rifflandia, the museum’s Learning & Engagement staff will also join Kidlandia, the festival’s family zone, with activities inspired by music and storytelling.
This year’s festival, running September 11–14 on the Matullia Lands at Rock Bay, includes a standout lineup including Public Enemy, Alessia Cara, Charlotte Cardin, Maribou State, NxWorries and more.
Pocket Gallery is located in Clifford Carl Hall on the main floor of the Royal BC Museum. Admission is free.
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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum explores the province’s human history and natural history, advances new knowledge and understanding of BC, and provides a dynamic forum for discussion and a place for reflection. The museum and archives celebrate culture and history, telling the stories of BC in ways that enlighten, stimulate and inspire. Located in Victoria on the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, known today as the Songhees and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nations, we are a hub of community connections in BC—on-site, off-site and online—taking pride in our collective histories.
For tickets to IMAX® Victoria and the Royal BC Museum, including combo tickets for both attractions, visit: Tickets
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About Rifflandia Festival: Established in 2008, Rifflandia Festival is one of the longest running large-scale music & arts festivals in Western Canada. With truly eclectic lineups featuring top international and national acts alongside new and emerging artists, the festival has hosted such musical icons as Iggy Pop, Run The Jewels, Lorde, Moby, Charli XCX, Post Malone, Courtney Love, Paris Hilton, and so many more. Rifflandia serves a diverse and creative music-forward community, and shines a light on the best of the city. With local creative artisans, the finest West Coast cuisine and craft beverages, and a city-wide discount redemption program, Rifflandia has community at its heart.
Rifflandia Festival is located within the unceded, traditional territories of the lək̓wəŋən People, known today as the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation.
