Various festivals are in the works for art lovers to attend. At these festivals, one can connect with local and international artists, admire beautiful displays, attend shows and engage in open dialogue about issues central to the city.
Art! Vancouver 2017
Dates: May 25th – 28th, 2017
Join Canadian and international artists at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the annual Art! Vancouver festival. This is a world class event where the artwork on display comes in many different styles and genres. At Art! Vancouver, not only will one see art in a variety of forms but will also have the chance to connect with the artists who express their unique views through the pieces they create.
Vancouver International Film Festival
Dates: September 28 – October13th, 2017
It’s time to tune in Vancouver. Whether a film lover or not, the Vancouver International Film Festival is a must see event that grows a little more each year. For instance, films from around the world by talented movie makers are screened and informational talks related to the industry are given. With this in mind, the VIFF becomes a multi-experiential event with many different facets of film one can revel in. Not to mention, this year marks the festival’s 36th year in action (pun intended)!
Queer Arts Festival
Dates: June 17th – 29th, 2017
Hosted annually at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Vancouver, the Queer Arts Festival transgresses boundaries. It features thought-provoking pieces that open dialogue about specific issues. Not only this but a new theme is introduced through exhibitions, performing arts, artist talks, screenings and workshops. This year, the festival will display an exhibition curated by Adrian Stimson titled “UnSettled.” It will explore notions of “Two-Spirit artists” and will contain messages of aboriginal sexuality in Western culture, reconciliation, resilience, aboriginal trauma and a growing emphasis on forgiveness in lieu of accountability.
PuSh Festival
Dates: Runs for three weeks every January
Vancouver’s annual PuSh festival is a unique event. At PuSh, international and local artists are brought together through innovation and dialogue. The festival brings light to new ways of storytelling and combines a series of disciplines. That is to say, performative arts are used to speak upon current issues. The festival will startle and intrigue you with its innate originality.
Vancouver Mural Festival
Dates: June – August, 2017
The Vancouver mural festival is the largest celebration of public art in the city. Last year, over 40 new murals were painted that addressed various issues such as community building, artistic censorship, diversity and much more. This year, the festival will do the same, except it will be longer with more murals, more art and more artists! Get ready to soak in the smell of fresh paint.
Harmony Arts Festival
Dates: August 4th – August 13th, 2017
For 26 years, a celebration that brings together locals through visual, performing and culinary arts has occurred on Vancouver’s scenic Waterfront. The Harmony Arts Festival is one of the city’s most popular events. With this in mind, the wide range of art and entertainment provided will allow everyone to find something they can enjoy.
Capture Photography Festival
Dates: April 1st – 28th, 2017
Now running annually for four years, the Capture Photography Festival aims to exhibit thought-provoking photography from international and local artists. Their works spark dialogue about photography as a form of communication. In addition to this, the festival acts as a hub where the community can engage with and admire Vancouver’s emerging photographers.
Vancouver Indigenous Media Arts Festival
Dates: May 25th – May 27th, 2017
A celebration of indigenous artists and culture. As a matter of fact, the Vancouver Indigenous Media Arts Festival focuses on creating a community of indigenous media artists through exposure and spectatorship of their incredible art. This is an unmissable event!
Eastside Culture Crawl
Dates: November 16th -19th, 2017
At the Eastside Culture crawl over 500 artists come together in 80+ buildings within the city to display their art to the public eye. Moreover, the Eastside Culture crawl is a four day festival chalk full of art ranging from painting to jewellery making, potters, glassblowers and much more. The aim of this festival is to increase the appreciation for public art while promoting its excellence.
Optical Illusion Museum Opening
Dates: Open Now
Art comes to life at the Optical illusion museum. This is a new addition to the city that features a large variety of 3D artwork. Not to mention, all the art seen is painted by local artists and focuses on Vancouver’s cityscape and local culture. Not only does this museum allow one to capture amazing photographs but is a place where imagination flies free!
These wonderful festivals are a great way to meet people passionate about the arts! They are bound to provoke thought about important issues and spark dialogue with other art-driven community members. Here, one can learn about their own city in a unique and beautiful way.