Creative Opportunities & Events
Down below are some creative opportunities happening in the city, as well as some art and creativity events.
Under 30? Aspiring filmmaker? Interested in telling LGBTQ2S stories?
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Now in our sixth year, we are so very excited to be bringing you the TROUBLEMAKERS 6.0 film program - IN PERSON!
Aspiring young filmmakers + changemakers can participate in this FREE program to learn filmmaking skills and produce inspiring short films about LGBT2Q2s+ troublemakers. And troublemakers (roughly ages 50+) get to share their stories and strength. We’ll premiere the films at a public screening at SFU Woodward's, as part of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, and they will also be featured on Telus' Optik TV streaming service and online. Starts May 11, 2022. Apply ASAP to be part of it all. |
Workshop: Introduction to Expressive Figure Drawing Using Light & Shadow
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Date: May 21st 2022
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm PDT Where: Massy Arts Gallery, 23 East Pender St Cost: By donation with proceeds going to the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. Recommended donation of $10, but attendees are welcome to contribute with what is comfortable. Materials: Please bring a sketchbook – other materials will be provided at the workshop. This event, promoted to celebrate Nicholas Tay’s exhibition at the Massy Arts Gallery, is a hands-on class created for visual artists that are curious on how to start drawing from a live model, and are looking to learn methods for figure drawing. Artists of any level are invited to attend and participate in this two-hour introductory workshop, where Tay will discuss the use of light and shadow to depict expressive and dynamic human figures. This workshop will focus on how to push the figure beyond realism and use expressive, representative mark making to tell a meaningful story. Attendees will work with a live nude model. |
IndigiNow - Submissions Open Until May 15 2022
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November 2022 to March 2023, Massy Arts Gallery will host IndigiNow, an arts residency program for emerging Indigenous visual artists, interdisciplinary artists, performers, and poets.
Interested applicants are invited to submit residency proposals that explore contemporary approaches to Indigenous cultural practices. IndigiNow aims to investigate how voices from Indigenous communities can establish critical and sensitive dialogues with our multiple communities of readers, viewers, and followers. |
Playwriting Contest: Submission Deadline May 31, 2022
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Submissions are now open for the best original interactive play using the historic Roedde House as the stage. Using the word "haunted" as a theme, we encourage writers to create an interactive play that will lead the audience through this 1893 heritage home on a journey of our own creation. The contest is open from March 1, 2022 to May 31 2022 with the winning submission announced late June / early July 2022 via our website and social media. The winner will receive an honorarium of $400, generously sponsored by Ghostly Vancouver Tours, as well as the opportunity for the play to be produced and run at Roedde House Museum during the Fall of 2022. Please email your questions and submission to us via coordinator@roeddehouse.org with the subject line "Playwriting Contest".
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Mental Health Comedy Classes
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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 addcition issues how to perform stand up comedy as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma.
The course is 6 months long. We’ll start out on zoom and then switch to live classes assuming that covid is done by then. Class is on Tuesdays from 11am-2 pm. You’ll get to develop your own comedy act all about your mental health and addictions recovery journey and meet some great people. Cost is by sliding scale, NO ONE is EVER EVER turned away for financial reasons! To register contact David Granirer david@smhcomedysociety.org 778 883 9242 .if you want to know more, here’s a five minute piece that CBC the national did about the classes. |
Creativebug
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If you have a Vancouver Public Library library card, come discover how you're more creative than you think. Learn how to master jewellery making, knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting and more.
Mobile app access is also available when you create an account with an email address and password. Access Now |
Borrow an Instrument from Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch
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Did you know you can borrow a huge range of musical instruments from the Central Branch of Vancouver Public Library, for free, for up to three weeks?
The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library at VPL is a collection of instruments that you may borrow using your Vancouver Public Library card. The collection is located at the Central Library. Ask staff at the main floor info desk for assistance retrieving the instrument you want to borrow. The instruments can be found by searching the library catalogue. You can only borrow one at a time, and they have to be returned during library opening hours. You can rent an acoustic bass guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo, bongo, cajon, djembe, doumbek, electric guitar and amplifier, keyboard and digital piano, mandolin, ukulele, violin [4 different sizes], and even a xylophone. Each instrument's borrowing page includes links to learn how to play it, as well as a video on how to care for / store it. In addition, they provide a number of online tutorials and useful websites to help you along the way. There are also a wide assortment of books, DVDs, and magazines that will help you learn how to play. What a great resource! |
During the Covid 19 pandemic, some events and opportunities in the list below may not be running, or not running at full capacity. Contact the site directly or speak to your coach about your interests.
The Gathering Place Music Jam
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When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon - 5pm
Where: The Gathering Place, 609 Helmcken Street, at Granville Cost: The art and music programs are open to everyone with a current membership card and recreation pass. Recreation passes cost:
Bring your instrument and come out to one of the casual jam sessions. A sound system and some instruments are available. Call for info - 604-665-2391 |
Inspiration Lab Drop-In: Video Recording
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Where: Central Branch, Level 3, Vancouver Public Library
When: Held regularly; call the library for the next date! Time: 11am - 12pm Cost: Free [registration required] Learn about the Inspiration Lab's video recording equipment. Find resources and get help with your digital project from library staff. For more information on the video recording and lab equipment, click on the link below. For info about registering for the event, call the main library number at (604) 331-3603. |
Inspiration Lab Drop-In: Sound Recording
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Where: Central Branch, Level 3, Vancouver Public Library
When: Call the library to find out next date, and to register Cost: Free [registration required] Learn about the Inspiration Lab's audio recording equipment. Find resources and get help with your digital project from library staff. For more information on the audio, video recording and lab equipment, click on the link below. For info about registering for the event, call the main library number at (604) 331-3603. Using the lab is free, and check out the amazing sound recording equipment via the link below. |
Expressive Arts at Gallery Gachet
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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.
When: every Monday (except civic holidays) Time: 1pm – 3pm Where: Gallery Gachet; 9 West Hastings, Vancouver Cost: Free. If you are interested in attending, please call 604-687-2468. The Expressive Arts Group began as a program through the West Coast Mental Health Network. There are about 30 participants, who meet on a drop-in basis every Monday afternoon to paint, make collages, use mark-making tools, do print-making and/or sculpture. No previous art experience is necessary to participate in the group. The group operates on the belief that engaging in creative activities is physically and emotionally healing. They provide art materials, instruction (if needed and desired) and support in an inclusive, accessible and safe atmosphere. |
Pay-What-You-Can Theatre Tickets
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Pacific Theatre
1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver Love the arts but need a cheaper ticket? Pacific Theatre has a strong commitment to maintaining accessibility for everyone – they believe no one should be turned away from the theatre because of financial concerns. To that end, they have a number of accessibility options to make sure everyone can get through our doors: Just two options to see great theatre at this venue...
A number of other theatres offer volunteer positions. If you love the arts, be sure to check these out on our Get Set & Connect Volunteering page.
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Half-Price Theatre Tickets
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Tickets Tonight sells half-price tickets online only. Half-price tickets are sold on the day of the show and are subject to availability. Half-price tickets go on sale at 9:00am and typically go off sale at 4:00pm. There is a limit of 4 half-price tickets per customer. Half-price listings are updated daily, and half-price inventory is limited.
Ticket price varies... on the day I looked they had half-price tickets for:
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Twisted Poets Literary Salon
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When: 4th Thursday of every month
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 pm Where: Cottage Bistro, 4468 Main St, Vancouver Cost: Suggested donation at the door: $5 Features poets plus an open mic. Open Mic sign-up at 7 pm. Readings begin at 7:30 Supported by the Writers Union of Canada and The League of Canadian Poets. Contact: blnish@pandorascollective.com www.pandorascollective.com |
Book Talks Book Club
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When: 4th Wednesday of each month
6:30pm - 8:30pm Where: Britannia Library, Gallery Room, 1661 Napier Street Bring your favourite passages, points of interest, and share your reading experiences with us. Admission is free. Registration not required. Each person is responsible for either borrowing or buying their own copy to read. Presented by Britannia Branch and Pandora’s Collective Questions? booktalks@pandorascollective.com |
The Flame Storytelling Series
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When: first Wednesday of the month
Time: 7pm [Arrive early as they sell out by 6:30 pm] Where: Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, Vancouver Cost: By donation A fiery grassroots storytelling series where Real People share their personal True Stories in front of a live audience. Here's how it works: RULES OF THE FLAME: 1. Stories must be TRUE. 2. Stories must be about YOU. 3. Stories must be told in a FEW (8 minutes or less!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WANT TO SHARE YOUR TRUE STORY AT THE FLAME? HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT! 1. See The Flame first! Get familiar with the room, the audience and how the evening is run by attending at least one Flame event. 2. Listen to The FLAME CAST! – Story archives from previous shows: http://soundcloud.com/joelwirkkunen 3. Read “FLAME STORYTELLING” and “A FLAME STORY IS TRUE” under the FILE tab on The Flame’s Facebook page (see 'More Info' button). 3. Write your True Story Pitch!… We’re looking for a concise synopsis that clearly charts the beginning, middle and end of your story. (500 words will do.) Please include your phone number and active email address. 4. EMAIL STORY PITCHES TO BOTH: joelwirk@telus.net and deborahwilliams1@me.com. We will respond to all story submissions. Everyone has a story to tell and we want to hear yours! |
Word Whips Writing Series
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Word Whips Vancouver
Where: Britannia Library, Gallery Room 1661 Napier Street by Commercial Drive When: 3rd Tuesday of each month [except December] Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: Free Take the challenge. Bring yourself, your imagination, and something to write on. We provide the writing prompts and the opportunity for sharing. 10 -15 minutes to write to each prompt. See what you can whip up. Hosts: Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni Word Whips Vancouver East
Where: Vancouver Library--Hastings Branch 2674 E Hastings St, Vancouver When: Every 2 months - 2nd Tuesday of Jan, March, May, July, Sept and Nov Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Hosts: Bonnie Nish & Jami Macarty Supported by the Writers Union of Canada and The League of Canadian Poets. |
Grind Writers Group, Vancouver - Main Street
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Where: 4124 Main Street near King Edward
When: Meets every 2 weeks on weekends, on Saturdays or Sundays Time: 10am - 12:30pm Cost: Free All levels, genres, outlooks, orientations, ages. **Please email grindwriters@gmail.com and introduce yourself before you attend the first time – we sometimes have out-trips and meet at various places. Blog Grind Publications on Issuu |
Contemporary Art Gallery
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Gallery open hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12 – 6 pm
Where: 555 Nelson Street near Richards Cost: Free Free Art Tours:
The Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG) is a non-profit public art gallery, and the longest standing independent public art gallery dedicated to presenting contemporary visual art in Vancouver. They have between ten and twenty exciting exhbitions and off-site projects each year, with an extensive range of learning and public programs for adults, families and children. They offer all programs, and entry, free of charge [they encourage donations]. |
First Saturday Open Studios
Farah Media, North Vancouver artist
Susan Greig, New Westminster artist
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Have you ever visited artists in their studios? Or perhaps you go to the annual Vancouver Culture Crawl, but find it way too crowded?
First Saturday Open Studios is a FREE opportunity to visit artists in their work space...the first Saturday of every month! Their goal is to build connections between artists and the public. It is a chance to visit working studios, ask questions, learn about techniques and build relationships with the artists. There are artists with open studios - 50 of them - in Vancouver, New Westminster and North Vancouver. Check the area you'd like to visit for artists open near... each building is marked by a RED FLAG! You can read more in the Georgia Straight article. 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. |
Pottery at Gathering Place
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Learn the basics of wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and firing techniques.
Open pottery studio is: Tuesdays from 1pm-6pm and Thursdays from 1pm-6pm Enrollment is ongoing and new students are welcome, all levels, from beginner to intermediate. To register, drop by. You will need a community card, which costs a $2 membership for the year which allows you access to classes. There are fees for clay and glazes (clay is $1.75). The Gathering Place is at 601 Helmcken Street. To learn more, call 604-665-2391 or visit. |
Vancouver Art Gallery
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When: Tuesday evenings
Time: 5pm-9pm Cost: By donation Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is recognized as one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions. The Gallery’s innovative ground-breaking exhibitions, extensive public programs and emphasis on advancing scholarship all focus on the historical and contemporary art of British Columbia and international centres, with special attention to the accomplishments of First Nations artists and the art of the Asia Pacific region—through the Institute of Asian Art founded in 2014. The Gallery’s programs also explore the impacts of images in the larger sphere of visual culture, design and architecture. |
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. All ages welcome.
INSTRUCTOR: volunteer run and operated
DATES & TIME: ongoing, every Friday from 1pm - 3pm
LOCATION: Kits House Seniors Resource Centre,
2425 Vine Street (corner of 8th & Vine)
COST: FREE with Kits House membership ($10 once a year)
Everyone is Welcome! All ages and knitting abilities.
What type of yarn do we need?
For more information please contact 604-736-3588 ext. 602.
INSTRUCTOR: volunteer run and operated
DATES & TIME: ongoing, every Friday from 1pm - 3pm
LOCATION: Kits House Seniors Resource Centre,
2425 Vine Street (corner of 8th & Vine)
COST: FREE with Kits House membership ($10 once a year)
Everyone is Welcome! All ages and knitting abilities.
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
For more information please contact 604-736-3588 ext. 602.