Creative Opportunities and Events

Down below are some creative opportunities happening in the city, as well as some art and creativity events. 

Stand Up For Mental Health

SMH Comedy Society is looking for people to be part of their next Stand Up
For Mental Health class, where people with mental health issues do stand-up
comedy all about their mental health journeys. Must be 18 years or over.
Founded by stand up comic and counselor David Granirer who himself suffers from bipolar, Stand Up For Mental Health is an award-winning program that teaches folks with mental health and addiction issues how to perform stand up comedy all about their mental health and addictions journeys.

Details:
  • Course is 6 months long and classes are in-person
  • Tuesdays | 10:45 am -1:45 pm
  • ​Cost is by sliding scale, NO ONE is EVER EVER turned away for financial reasons!
  • They do two shows, a debut after 3 months and a grad show at the end of the program

Registration:
To register please contact David Granirer
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 778-883-9242
Next class: ​January 21, 2025.

Here’s a great five minute piece by CBC the national 

Library Stitch-Up: Creative Sustainability

Do you have old t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sweatpants that you no longer wear? Turn them into reusable face wipes that can replace disposable cotton pads in your bathroom! We will take you through all the steps on how to make these entirely by hand.

​Details:
  • All skill levels are welcome
  • Fabric, needles, buttons and thread will be supplied
  • Please pre-register for the event
  • Free, all you need is a library card

Location: 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver (Central Library)

Mindful Art

Mindful Art is an arts and craft group featuring origami, painting, and other crafts. It combines mindfulness with artistic creation, allowing individuals to create meaningful artwork while being fully present.

The practice has significant positive impacts on mental health, serving as a form of self-expression. It promotes relaxation and reduces stress, engaging in these activities enhances concentration and focus. Overall, Mindful Art is a therapeutic practice that promotes well-being and fosters a sense of calmness. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own craft project you’ve been working on.

Free registration and Free materials are provided 
Date and Time: Thursdays, 11 am - 12 pm
Location: Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre, 1337 St Andrews Ave, North Vancouver

Adventures in Short Film Writing: Drop-In Workshop

Do you have an interest in film but don't know where to start?

Join the peer-led Zoom group on the fundamentals of short film writing. These workshops are drop-in, self-paced, and free to attend. Together the group will learn to develop a story, characters, learn structure and write a draft of a short film.

Individuals from the mental health and/or substance use community are welcome!

Dates and Times: Wednesdays, 3 pm - 4 pm
Location: Online via Zoom
To register email Ana: [email protected]

Free Artist Consultations - Outsiders and Others 

Join Outsiders and Others Artistic Director Yuri Arajs for an artist consultation in a safe and welcoming environment. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their own portfolio or some artwork to share for a discussion about building a portfolio.

Email Seema at [email protected] to receive a registration form.

 Space is limited to 10 participants, so register soon!

​LEAP Playwriting Intensive Course

LEAP—Learning Early About Playwriting—is a free and interactive program for young people in the B.C. Lower Mainland who are interested in playwriting.  The LEAP program seeks young people interested in creative writing for the theatre who are passionate, engaged, and inquisitive storytellers.

Participants learn the basic principles of playwriting, share their work with classmates, and provide feedback to one another in a safe and supportive environment. Students also receive feedback from theatre professionals and have their plays workshopped and presented to the public in staged readings.

Details:
  • ​Program for young people aged 16-25
  • Free full-scholarship program, fully funded by donors and sponsors
  • Instruction is offered at three levels
  • The program consists of classes, workshops, rehearsals, and a festival
How to apply:
  • Complete an online application or submit a Word version to [email protected] 
  • Submit a writing sample by email
    ​
Please check back for future application periods.

Social Stitching: Sew, Make, and Recycle

Social Stitching is an open group for anyone interested in learning hand-stitching techniques and creating fibre arts. It is a collaborative program and individuals are encouraged to work together.

​Details:
  • No special skills or experience needed
  • Cloth and hand-sewing supplies are provided to share
  • Participants are welcome to bring small personal objects to work with (ex. family photos, small souvenirs, special pieces of cloth, etc.)
  • No formal teacher or instruction provided, focus is on collaboration and learning from each other
  • Registration is available to secure a spot

Note: current session runs January 10 - March 13, 2024
Come back for summer group

Dates and Times: Wednesdays, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Location: Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, 7646 Prince Albert St., Vancouver

Canadian Art Inspiration: Student Challenge

Submissions for the 2025 student art challenge open on January 8, 2025.

The Canadian Art Inspiration: Student Challenge celebrates young artistic talent across the country. It encourages students to find inspiration in Canadian art history leaders.

Details:
  • Students in Grades 7 through 12 are invited to create original artworks with accompanying artist statements inspired by leaders in Canadian art history
  • ​ Applicants can create works in any media
  • Submit the submission form (including the artist statement) and a high-resolution image of the artwork to [email protected]​

​Twisted Poets Literary Salon

Pandora's Collective Outreach Society is a registered charity, based in Vancouver, BC.

​We host 7 on-going literary events each month and strive to provide a safe and inspiring environment for poets and writers of all genres and skill levels. 

​Whether you are a new, emerging, or professional writer we invite you to join us. 

Come and write with us, read with us, or enjoy the writing of others. We are committed to building community.

Email: [email protected]

The Flame Storytelling Series 

The Flame:
  • A fiery grassroots storytelling series where real people share their personal true stories in front of a live audience​

Storytelling Rules:
  • Stories must be TRUE
  • Stories must be about YOU
  • Stories must be told in a FEW (8 minutes or less!)​

Sharing your Story:
  • The project is always looking for storytellers, so please do not hesitate to submit your proposal
  • They produce 10 shows and 12 workshops a year including in Vancouver, Victoria, Gulf Islands, Okanagan, Surrey, Richmond, and BC in general
  • Listen to The FLAME CAST! - Story archives from previous shows: http://soundcloud.com/joelwirkkunen
  • Write your True Story Pitch! They are looking for a concise synopsis that clearly charts the beginning, middle and end of your story. Proposals should be about 500 words in length. Please include your phone number and active email address.
  • Email story pitches to [email protected].​ We will respond to all story submissions. Everyone has a story to tell and we want to hear yours!​

Upcoming Vancouver Events include:
  • Check back for updates
    ​
​Specific event dates are available on The Flame FaceBook page. 

The Art Studios
The Art Studios offers art-based programs for individuals living with mental health diagnoses. The Program is a part of the MDABC.

Programs include:
  • Beginner and Intermediate Pottery
  • Acrylic Painting, Watercolours, and Drawing
  • Print Making and Mixed Media
  • Art Workshops
  • Art Therapy
  • And More!

Location: 2073 Dundas Street, Vancouver
Cost: Most programs are free, low costs associated with additional supplies
Details: 
  • Applicants must have a mental health diagnosis and have ongoing mental health support from a professional
  • Limited to Vancouver residents 
  • Note: Applications for new participants currently on hold
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-558-3394

Contemporary Art Gallery

The Contemporary Art Gallery is a non-profit gallery that is the longest standing independent public art gallery dedicated to presenting contemporary visual art in Vancouver. It champions art and ideas that invite us to transcend the familiar, reimagine the possible, and explore new ways of understanding ourselves, one another, and the worlds around us.

Details: 
  • Present 10-20 exhibitions and off-site projects annually
  • Extensive range of learning and public programs for adults, families and children
  • Admission is always free 
  • The Gallery hosts talks, workshops, and other events
  • Free Art Tours are available for groups

Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Sunday |12 pm - 6 pm
Where:  555 Nelson Street near Richards
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604 681-2700

First Saturday Open Studios

First Saturday Open Studios
Farah Media, North Vancouver artist
First Saturday Open Studios is a free monthly event that allows you to visit artists in their work spaces. Their goal is to build connections between artists and the public.

At this event, you can:
  • Visit working studios
  • Ask questions
  • Learn about techniques
  • Build relationships with the artists
    ​
There are 50 artists with open studios in Vancouver, New Westminster, and North Vancouver. To find the studios that are open, look for a red flag at the building.

To see which artists are open in the month you'd like to visit, and to browse some of their art at their own websites, see below.

Email: [email protected]

​Atira Women's Resource Society - Enterprising Women Making Art (EWMA)

   EWMA Development Program:
  • Assists women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in creating different types of enterprise or employment that meet their specific needs and realities

Focus of Program:
  • Self-employment project for women who have experienced violence, who are seeking safe and exploitative-free income, and who are experiencing challenges finding traditional employment
  • Harm reduction, low threshold, and anti-oppressive framework

Aims of the Program:
  • Provide immediate income-generating opportunities to all women in Vancouver's DTES
    ​
Target Groups of the Program:
  • Aboriginal women
  • Immigrant women
  • Visible minority women
  • Senior women
  • Women with physical or mental disabilities

Studio Hours: 
  • Monday - Friday | 10 am - 5 pm
  • Closed Saturday - Sunday
Store Hours:
  • Monday - Friday | 10 am - 5 pm
  • Saturday | 10 am - 5 pm
Location: 800 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-685-8043

Under 30? Aspiring filmmaker? Interested in telling LGBTQ2S stories?

The TROUBLEMAKERS 8.0 film program gathered aspiring young filmmakers + changemakers can participate in this FREE program to learn filmmaking skills and produce inspiring short films about LGBT2Q2s+ troublemakers.
​All sessions for this film program will be at SFU Woodward's. We’ll premiere the films at a public screening at SFU Woodward's as well, as part of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, and they will also be featured on TELUS' Optik TV streaming service and online.

Participant details:
  • Aspiring young filmmakers and changemakers can participate in the program for free.
  • Learn filmmaking skills and produce inspiring short films about LGBT2Q2s+ troublemakers
  • Troublemakers (roughly ages 50+) get to share their stories and strength.​
    ​​
TROUBLEMAKERS 8.0 is over, check back again for the next year!

​Callanish - Creative Arts Circle

Detail:
  • Gentle exploration of your creative side 
  • No prior experience required
  • Everyone is welcome

Costs:
  • Giving (suggested range dependent on session)
    ​
Registration:
  • Contact Callanish to register and for more information
  • Drop-Ins are not allowed, please contact in advance

Date: One Friday afternoon each month
  • 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-732-0689 

Coast Mental Health - Art Room

Purpose of Art Room:
  • Offers a Variety of mediums for clients to work in, including paint and sculpture
  • All necessary supplies are provided
  • Allows clients to explore their creative potential
  • Learn new methods for expressing emotions, dealing with pain, and increasing self-esteem and self-awareness.

Volunteer involvement:
  • Volunteers, including other clients, professional artists, and art instructors donate their time
  • Provide criticism and support to help clients create​

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-872-3502
Location: 1225 Seymour St, Vancouver

Creativebug - Vancouver Public Library

Creativebug offers educational resources to learn artistic skills and start creative projects. It covers a variety of different topics, including jewelry making, painting, sewing, crocheting, etc. Perfect if you want to make a homemade gift, add some holiday cheer, or learn new skills. 

Details:
  • Available in the VPL Digital Library
  • Registration is free, but requires a VPL library card
  • Available 24/7 through the online platform​

​The Kettle Society - Enrichment Programs

Enrichment Programs:
Kettle Art Show - Eastside Culture Crawl:
  • Exhibit over 1,000 pieces of artwork created by artists in Vancouver who have personal experience with mental illness
  • Arts programs can help people with mental illness, whose voices have been silenced and stigmatized

Kettle Camping:
  • A 4-day camping vacation to Camp Jubilee
  • Activities available include: swimming, hiking, kayaking, singing, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire
  • Experience the healing power of friendship

Writing Group:
  • A safe space to express yourself, create lasting friendships, and connect with support services
  • Expressive writing can be a means of coping with and recovering from traumatic experiences

Eligibility:
  • Vulnerable individuals living with mental illness, substance abuse, poverty and/or homelessness

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-251-2801
Location: 1725 Venables St., Vancouver

Borrow an Instrument from Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch
Free Musical Instrument Lending Library:
  • Available at the Central Branch of Vancouver Public Library
  • Borrow a wide range of musical instruments for up to three weeks
  • Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library is a collection of instruments that can be borrowed using a Vancouver Public Library card.
  • Located at the Central Library and can be accessed by asking staff at the main floor info desk for assistance
  • Instruments can be searched for and borrowed in the library catalogue
  • Only one instrument can be borrowed at a time and must be returned during library opening hours

Collection includes:
  • A variety of instruments, such as: Acoustic bass guitar, Acoustic guitar, Banjo, Bongo, Cajon, Djembe, Doumbek, Electric guitar and amplifier, Keyboard and digital piano, Mandolin, Ukulele, Violin in four different sizes and Xylophone
  • Each instrument's borrowing page includes links to resources for learning how to play it and a video on how to care for and store it.
  • Online tutorials and lists useful websites available to help learning how to play.

Additional resources:
  • Wide selection of books, DVDs, and magazines available to help you learn how to play.
  • This is a great resource for musicians.

The Gathering Place Music Jam

​Bring your instrument and come out to one of the casual jam sessions. A sound system and some instruments are available. 

Phone: 604-665-2391
​When: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12 pm - 5 pm
Where: The Gathering Place
  •  609 Helmcken Street
Cost: The art and music programs are open to everyone with a current membership card and recreation pass.   
Recreation passes cost:
  • $1.00 for a monthly pass
  • $5.00 for an annual pass

Inspiration Lab Drop-In:  Video and Sound Recording

The Inspiration Lab is Vancouver's free space dedicated to digital creativity, collaboration, and storytelling.
​
Video and Sound Recording equipment:
  • Learn about the Inspiration Lab's video and sound studio, recording equipment, and rentable equipment
  • Find resources and get help with your digital project from library staff
  • ​Access to the lab is free with a VPL library card
    ​​    ​
Location: Vancouver Public Library
  • Central Branch
  • Level 3
  • 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver 

For info about registering for studio time, rental equipment, or more details, call the main library number at (604) 331-3603.

Expressive Arts at Gallery Gachet

​Gallery Gachet is a unique artist-run centre located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Gachet is a collectively-run exhibition and studio space built to empower participants as artists, administrators and curators. The facilitation is supportive and there to expand artists' material and conceptual repertoire if desired, or simply there to provide a safe space to create artwork and social connections, on their own terms.
 
Expressive Arts Group:
  • Provides drop-in studio time 
  • Operates on the belief that engaging in creative activities is physically and emotionally healing
  • Participants can engage in activities such as painting, making collages, using mark-making tools, doing print-making, and/or sculpture
  • No previous art experience is necessary to participate in the group
    ​
Group details:
  • Materials are provided for participants, including pastels, acrylic paint, brushes, felt pens, paper, collage materials, and canvases (depending on availability).
  • The group provides instruction (if needed and desired)
  • Support provided in an inclusive, accessible, and safe atmosphere.
  • Snacks are also provided

Date and time: Mondays (except civic holidays) 
  • 2 pm - 4 pm (Drop-in)
Where: Gallery Gachet
  • 9 West Hastings, Vancouver
Cost: Free 
Phone: 604-687-2468 
Email: [email protected]​

Pottery at Gathering Place
Classes: Thursdays | 1 pm - 6  pm
  • Learn the basics of pottery, including: wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and firing techniques. 
​ Open Pottery Studio:
  • Fridays | 1pm - 6 pm
​Registration: 
  • Talk to the instructor on Thursdays,
  • 1 pm - 6 pm
  • Bring a community card (membership is $1 per month or $5 per year)
  • All levels are welcome (beginner to intermediate)
Class Fees:
  • There are additional costs for clay and glazes

Location: ​The Gathering Place
  • 601 Helmcken Street
Phone: 604-665-2391

Knitting Circle

This lively, friendly group of volunteers makes hats, scarves, socks, and sweaters for the homeless. All levels are welcome, wool and knitting needles are provided, but you may bring your own. Everyone welcome!

​What type of yarn do we need?
  • wool mix, medium weight
  • dark colors for men’s winter wear (blue, green, red black, & brown)
  • light colors for baby clothing​

Date and times: Mondays | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Kits House Seniors Resource Centre
  • Sun Room 
  • 2425 Vine Street (corner of 8th & Vine)
Cost: FREE with Kits House membership ​
Phone: 604-736-3588 ext. 602

Community Jam: Drop-In Improv 

The Improv Centre hosts a free community jam where you can improvise with professionally trained performers. Just walk up, drop in, and learn from the pros. It is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the improv community and dip your toe in the water.

Dates: Monthly, please confirm with the website
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Location: 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver (Granville Island)
Price: Free drop-in, no registration needed

The Improv Centre also offers financial aid for individuals who are interested in improv, but are cannot afford to pay for a class. 

The Massey Helps Program

The Massey offers a theatre use grant program of free access to the space four times per year. The intention of the program is to encourage and enhance the artistic community. Applications should focus on inclusivity and openness in the community.

Details:
  •  The Program provides free rental of the theatre, as well as the equipment and ancillary facilities 
  • Costs associated with technical, front of house and custodial staff will be billed to the recipient
  • Support is provided with planning, marketing support, ticketing services, and technical planning to assist in making the event a success
  •  Operation of the theatre, box office, concession, lobby and gallery all remain with Massey Theatre

Eligibility:
  • Organization of group in the Lower Mainland, with priority given to New West applicants 
  • Unsuccessful applicants can apply for the next session
  • Groups that showcase or advance the performing arts
  • Preference to groups that support charitable causes, new ventures or fledgling organizations 
  • Successful applicants will make use of the theatre’s scale, technical capabilities and large seating capacity

Grind Writers Group, Vancouver - Main Street

Note: As of April 2023, The Grind Writers Group meetings are on a brief hiatus. Please check the FaceBook page for updates. 

The group is open to all levels, genres, outlooks, orientations, ages, etc.
​
*Please email [email protected] and introduce yourself before you attend the first time – we sometimes have out-trips and meet at various places.

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