Arts & Culture

AFDS - Cultural Teachings

The Aboriginal Cultural Worker offers basic cultural instruction to those interested in learning more about our culture.
The cultural program is available to people in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside as a first step on their road to recovery from:
  • Addiction
  • Homelessness
  • Poverty
The cultural program includes:
  • Talking circles
  • Drumming
  • Singing
  • Beadwork
  • Cedar weaving
  • Drum manufacturing
  • Well-being talking circles

PROVIDER PROFILE
Email :
info@abfrontdoor.org
Phone Number :
604-697-5662
384 Main St

​Jokes Please! - Fridays at Cambrian Hall

Jokes Please! is a weekly stand-up comedy show in Mount Pleasant. It features comedians from Just For Laughs, Comedy Central, and The Debaters.
  • The show has been running for 10 years.
  • You can attend a show every Friday in a warm indie theatre.
  • Past performances have received praise, with The Georgia Straight calling it "Hilarious".
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy excellent laughs at this venue.

DATE&TIME
Check More info
LOCATION
Cambrian Hall, 215 E. 17, Vancouver
COST
​Advance Tickets: $16 + fees. Door Tickets: $20

Virtual Tour of Burrard Arts Foundation Gallery

WHERE. Online
WHEN. Anytime
COST. FREE

​Experience the Burrard Arts Foundation Gallery virtually and all of its exhibits without leaving your home.

Highs & Lows Choir

  • The Highs & Lows Choir is a mental health choir that focuses on individuals with lived experience dealing with mental illness.
  • It is a peer-led, four-part singing group that provides low barrier choral singing to its members.
  • The choir recognizes that there are many barriers that prevent people from engaging in community activities.
  • It is committed to making it easy for people to get involved and creating a safe and supportive environment for its members.
  • The Highs & Lows Choir is currently accepting new members and invites anyone who is interested to join.

Tel:778-331-4387

Brahm's Tams Drum Circle

  • Event: Brahm's Tams Drum Circle
  • Frequency: Every sunny Tuesday night from March through September
  • Location: Third Beach, Stanley Park
  • Cost: Free
  • Description: An informal drum jam that promotes "Love of Unity, Rhythm and Community"
  • Note: Marijuana is usually smoked at the drum circle, so it may not be suitable for families.

New Chinatown Storytelling Centre

  • The Chinatown Storytelling Centre documents and shares the cultural stories of the Chinese Canadian community in Vancouver's Chinatown.
  • The centre aims to honor the sacrifices and perseverance of the community's ancestors.
  • The stories shared by the centre focus on themes of resilience, sacrifice, and courage.
  • The stories aim to inspire and shape a better future for the community.
Tel: 604-225-0055
168 East Pender Street
Open Fri-Mon, 11 am-4 pm

Covid 19 Call for Submissions: Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture

  • Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture is committed to supporting and promoting artists with disabilities in every discipline, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The organization is seeking literary, visual, or performative artistic submissions from disability-identified artists in the community. The works should explore the creative process during this time of isolation, economic and health precariousness, and social uncertainty.
  • To submit, you must be a member of Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture.
  • Membership options:
    • $10 for those on a fixed income
    • "By donation" memberships are available for those unable to pay.
  • Selected writers/artists will be paid $100 for one blog post and get a free one year membership to the Vancouver Art Gallery with membership.

Great Canadian Short Films

The National Film Board of Canada has a long history of award winning shorts.  These are a great source of our history and superb entertainment. 

Please click the links below to go directly to those films, or click the button to go to the NFB site and choose your own. 

  • The McGarrigle Sisters, “Log Driver’s Waltz”
  • “Remember Africville”, the little-known account of one of Nova Scotia’s independent black settlements
  • “Supreme Law”, an interactive story of Canada told from perspectives of those who have historically been underrepresented

​PHS - Inter Urban Art Gallery

The InterUrban Art Gallery is a volunteer-driven community art venue that honors the Downtown Eastside's historical and cultural legacy. It provides a welcoming and accessible space for low-income artists and locals to exhibit and further their work. The gallery also offers:
  • Exceptional visual art exhibitions
  • Arts programs and seminars
  • Event space
  • Neighborhood activities
  • Multimedia exhibitions The InterUrban Gallery aims to include the local population and foster cultural exchanges, as well as assist up-and-coming artists.
PROVIDER PROFILE
Email :
Info@phs.ca
Phone Number :
604-683-0073
LOCATION
1 E Hastings St

Terrain, Migration, Place: Four West Coast Painters

  • Marion Scott Gallery is presenting an exhibition called Terrain, Migration, Place: Four West Coast Painters.
  • The exhibition will run from May 18 to June 30, 2023.
  • The exhibition features the work of four painters:
    • Edward Epp
    • Landon Mackenzie
    • Vicky Marshall
    • Carolyn Stockbridge.
LOCATION
Marion Scott Gallery, 2423 Granville St, Vancouver
INFO
When
To Jun 30, 10 am–6 pm
Price
Free

Happy Valley

  • Happy Valley presents a unique performance piece. The intention is to dissect the intricate layers of Hong Kong's history, politics, and culture. This is achieved through several mediums that engage the senses and stimulate thought.
  • The tool of text is used effectively in this presentation. Words, in their profound simplicity, carry the weight of centuries of history. They highlight the political nuances and cultural complexities that define the current democratic struggles in Hong Kong.
  • Song is another element that adds depth to the performance. It serves as a poignant reflection of the city's soul, encapsulating emotions and sentiments that words alone cannot convey. Through melody and rhythm, the struggles and aspirations of Hong Kong are given voice.
  • Multimedia also plays a significant role in Happy Valley. Visual narratives provide a tangible context to the abstract ideas expressed through text and song. Images and videos offer a glimpse into the city's past, present, and potential future, adding an additional layer of understanding.
  • Lastly, music is harnessed as a powerful medium in this performance piece. It transcends language barriers and resonates on a universal level. The symphony of sounds adds an emotional resonance, further emphasizing the gravity of Hong Kong's democratic struggles.
    LOCATION
    Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E. Cordova, Vancouver
    INFO
    When
    May 25–Jun 4
    Price
    From $25

First Métis Man of Odesa

  • The stage is graced by award-winning theatre artists Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova. The pair, also a real-life married couple, presents a unique storytelling experience.
  • Their tale is a remarkable and humor-infused love story. This spans across geographies, from Odesa to Alberta.
  • The narrative isn't just about love. It also encapsulates their personal views on a serious issue. The couple shares:
    • Intimate perspectives on the war in Ukraine
    • Insights into its impacts
    • Personal experiences related to the conflict
LOCATION
Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables, Vancouver
INFO
When
May 25–Jun 4
Price
Tickets from $25

​Catfish (an ASL/English play)

  • Dive into Michelle's complex web of falsehoods. She misrepresents herself online and leverages her hearing friend's voice to attract the new guy at school.
  • The depths of her deception lead to an inward journey. Michelle's search for love and acceptance becomes a personal exploration. She focuses on:
    • Understanding her identity
    • Cultivating self-love
    • Acknowledging the need for honesty
  • Join Michelle in her vibrant and earnest journey. Experience her transformation as she:
    • Discovers her strength
    • Embraces her Deaf, Punjabi identity
    • Shares her true self with the world
LOCATION
Vancity Culture Lab, Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables, Vancouver
INFO
When
May 24–Jun 1
Price
$15-$30

​Andrea Tucker All in My Head

  • Andrea Tucker's artwork is centered on highly-detailed, portrait-style oil paintings. Her unique style encompasses several elements. These include:
    • A strong influence of tattoo imagery
    • An apparent fascination with tarot cards
    • A profound use of spiritual symbolism
    • A noticeable incorporation of mythological symbolism
  • Found objects also play a significant role in Andrea Tucker's artistic process. An interesting aspect of her work is the collection and transformation of old ornate frames. This process involves:
    • Carefully collecting old ornate frames
    • Skillfully refinishing each frame
    • Tastefully adorning her artwork with these refinished frames
LOCATION
Elissa Cristall Gallery, 1820 Fir Street, Unit 200, Vancouver
INFO
When
May 13–Jun 3
COST
​FREE

Tasting Notes

  • Western Front is thrilled to unveil "Tasting Notes", an exclusive solo exhibition by Sol Hashemi. This event marks a significant point in the artist's career, showcasing his exceptional talent and ingenuity.
  • The exhibition displays a unique selection of Hashemi's works. The items on view have been carefully chosen, each reflecting the artist's distinct style and creative approach.
  • The core of the exhibition consists of:
    • Intriguing Photographs: These are not just typical photos; they are a testament to Hashemi's unique perspective and technical prowess.
    • Curated Objects: These are everyday items that have been modified and reconfigured by Hashemi, displaying his innovative approach to art.
  • Hashemi's exhibition is not merely a presentation of static works; it is a testament to his ongoing experimentation. Specifically, he has delved into the realm of brewing, experimenting with the process in a way that challenges traditional perspectives.
  • By presenting his works in this format, Hashemi invites the audience to view the ordinary in an extraordinary light. Through his brewing experiments, he blends the lines between art and everyday life, creating a unique narrative for viewers to explore.
LOCATION
Western Front, 303 E. 8th, Vancouver
INFO
When
To Jul 29, 1-5 pm
COST
​FREE

Pas-à-pas – not intent on arriving

  • Exhibition Overview
    • "Pas-à-pas – not intent on arriving"
    • Photo-based, multidisciplinary
    • Focus on mourning & memory
  • Artist and Inspiration
    • Created by SD Holman
    • Inspired by walk across Canada
    • Following the loss of their wife
  • Event Details
    • SUM Gallery: April 1 to June 2
    • Opening reception: April 1, 5-7pm
    • Meet the artist in attendance
LOCATION
SUM gallery, #425 - 268 Keefer St., Vancouver
INFO
When
To Jun 2, 5 pm
Price
Free

​Willow Indigenous Mural

  • Creating Welcoming and Healing Space
    • Collaboration: Willow Pavilion, Indigenous Health, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
    • Target: Indigenous clients and all patients
  • Indigenous Mural Project
    • Exterior wall at Willow Pavilion
    • Visible for facility clients and pedestrians
  • Mural Location and Size
    • Address: 805 W. 12th Avenue, south elevation
    • Dimensions: Approximately 900 square feet (30 foot by 30 foot)
Who can take part in the survey?

We want input from you - Willow community members - on ideas, aspirations, and associations you have with Willow Pavilion.

How will my input be used?

Your input will be the foundation of the Creative Brief that will be given to the artist this Spring 2023. The artist will make a mural draft based on this input and will paint the mural this Summer 2023.

I have a question. Who can I ask?

Have a question about this opportunity? Please email ce@vch.ca

CIF Art Grant

  • CIF Art Grant Overview
    • Opportunity for art supply purchase
    • Targeting mental health and substance use service consumers
    • Available for Vancouver residents
  • Grant Details
    • Amount: $85 per grant
    • Total grants: 10 per draw
    • Draws: January, April, July, and October

​Treat Show Comedy

  • Treat Show: weekend comedy fireworks you crave
  • Every Saturday: nine outstanding improvisers
  • Unique comedy show crafted just for you
  • Comedians with global improv experience
The Treat Show is the perfect weekend entertainment solution to unwind and have a good laugh. Every Saturday, our lineup features nine extraordinary improvisers who come together to create a completely new comedy show tailored just for you. These talented comedians boast extensive international experience in the world of improv, and they're thrilled to call the China Cloud their home.
LOCATION
China Cloud, 524 Main
DATE&TIME
Jun 3, 7:30 pm
Jun 10, 7:30 pm
Jun 17, 7:30 pm
Jun 24, 7:30 pm
PRICE
20

La Boussole - Cultural Activities

La Boussole provides a range of enjoyable activities for people of all ages. These activities encourage interactions, learning the language, and keeping in contact with francophones from all walks of life.
You are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities, including:
  • Volunteering in community gardens
  • French-English seminars
  • Writing workshops
  • Computer literacy workshops
  • Photography workshops
  • Employment aid workshops
  • DIY workshops
La Boussole also hosts traditional celebrations of:
  • Christmas
  • Halloween
  • Saint-Jean-Baptiste Come and enjoy these events!

PROVIDER PROFILE
Hours of operation :
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Email :
laboussole@lbv.ca
Phone Number :
604-683-7337
LOCATION
213 - 312 Main St

TalkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast 

  • The TalkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast brings together global experts to discuss and answer essential questions about living with bipolar disorder.
  • The podcast includes researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts.
  • TalkBD's first episode was released in early 2020 during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Since then, it has become a top resource for people living with bipolar disorder and their loved ones, generating substantial interest and engagement.

Voices of the Street Podcast

  • The 2021 Voices of the Street anthology is titled "INSIDE we are all the same".
  • The anthology is featured in a special podcast series that includes:
    • Interviews with writers
    • Personal reflections on how lived experiences intersect with the themes of the text
  • The Voices of the Street podcast is a six-part series for Below the Radar.
  • It is curated and hosted by participants of Megaphone's Speakers Bureau.
  • The podcast offers a new perspective on Voices of the Street.

Free Monthly Poetry Series

  • Lunch Poems at SFU is a monthly poetry celebration held on the third Wednesday of every month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
  • The event aims to create a relaxed and casual atmosphere that invites everyone to enjoy poetry, regardless of their familiarity with it.
  • Attendees are encouraged to bring their curiosity, open minds, and love of words to the event.
  • To stay up-to-date with future Lunch Poems events, sign up for the Lunch Poems @ SFU email list.

Scenes of Isolation

  • "Scenes of Isolation" showcases Vancouver shows and artworks that depict the pandemic experience.
  • These works explore the unique experience of 2020's pandemic and offer an uplifting way to transcend it.
  • They form an unforgettable archive of a surreal time.

Theatre In Video

Online access to hundreds of the world’s most important plays, documentaries, interviews, and instructional materials in more than 800 hours of streaming video.

All you need is a Vancouver Public Library card!

MEC Free Documentary Series

Watch three Canadian adventurers share their unique lived experiences with wild spaces in this documentary series. The adventurers share their adventures, including:
  • Riding across Canada from coast to coast to coast on a fixed gear bicycle
  • Ticking off a truly unique bucket list
The series is created by three of Canada's leading documentary filmmakers and features raw, genuine portraits of how the outdoors inspires and challenges us. The series focuses on personal triumphs and incredible feats.

We Live Here: West End Audio Tour for Covid 19 Times

Whether you'd like to walk this 1 1/2 hour audio tour or listen to the sections from home, these interesting stories about the West End told by various Vancouverites are worth your time.

Learn Languages for Free with Mango Languages

  • You can access over 70 self-paced language learning courses and dialects with a Vancouver library card.
  • These courses are taught by native speakers and introduce learners to vocabulary, cultural insights, grammar, and more.
  • To track your progress and continue where you left off, you have two options:
    • Sign up for a Mango profile
    • Use "Mango as a guest" to access the resource.

Read Magazines from Around the World

​If you have a Vancouver library card, you can access magazines from around the world - on your computer or on your phone.

Magazines on the Libby App
You can now read digital magazines on-the-go with the Libby app. Tip for power users: use the "read the articles" mode to easily view individual articles.

E-Books from the Library with No Waitlist

Some libraries have pick-ups available for holds on actual books. But if you'd like to read now and are open to e-books, the Vancouver Public Library has created a list with some of their most popular e-books that are available now with no waiting list.

CBC Canadian Videos

​National Arts Centre
​National Arts Centre (website/Facebook)
​Stream free theatre, dance, music, storytelling, talks and workshops as part of #CanadaPerforms.

Dancing  Alone, Together
Dancing Alone, Together
​A CENTRAL RESOURCE FOR THE DIGITAL DANCE WORLD
DESIGNED FOR THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME OF ISOLATION

These classes are free or by donation and the website includes videos on dance from around the world

Virtual Museum Tours

Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch (Video)
Be sure to also check out our Music & Movies events.