Artist-run galleries and spaces are unique venues that play a crucial role in nurturing artistic expression and community engagement.
These spaces come in many forms and can focus on different services or purposes. Community studios are vital because they provide a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work outside of traditional gallery settings. They offer a space for experimentation, collaboration, and dialogue, fostering a dynamic environment for artistic growth and innovation.
Why are these spaces important?
Firstly, supporting artist-run studios encourages diversity and inclusivity within the art world by amplifying voices that may not have access to mainstream galleries. Second, it helps sustain a local ecosystem of creativity, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the region. Finally, it allows art enthusiasts and collectors to discover unique and original artworks while directly supporting the artists themselves.
Easy ways you can support community art spaces
To support artist-run studios, you can visit their exhibitions and events, purchase artworks directly from the artists, participate in workshops or artist talks, or even volunteer your time and skills to help with organizational tasks. By engaging with these spaces, you not only enrich your own artistic experience but also contribute to the flourishing and essential support of the artistic community as a whole.
Vancouver
Access Gallery aims to bring visibility and critical reception to artists and cultural practitioners when they need it most, often at moments early in their practices, and have offered important exhibition opportunities to many of Canada’s most recognized contemporary artists.
Founded in 1991, Access Gallery is an artist-run centre with a mission to create conditions of emergence for provocative ideas and work in the visual arts. They enable critical conversations and risk-taking through new configurations of artists, audience, and community. The organization searches out opportunities to experiment through collaborations (both local and international) that encourage innovation.
Access Gallery is a long-standing member of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres.
See their current programming here.
View their Instagram and Website @accessgallery | https://accessgallery.ca/
Visit their location 222 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
Located in East Vancouver, August Studios provides a space for artists and designers to create, collaborate, and teach. Their primary objective is to bolster the local community and enhance lives through collective endeavors. The studio hosts a variety of workshops, curates and presents art shows and markets, and remains open to suggestions for collaborations and new ideas.
There are a number of artist studios within the large warehouse space. While being able to provide public access to free or by donation art shows, you can also make appointments with resident artists to learn more about their craft, experience private studio and work viewings, and reach out with projects or explore availability for customs works.
The unique aspect of August Studios is the diversity and range of the makers, creators and artists that work in the space. It is situated near a great collection of other artist-run spaces and amazing local breweries and restaurants. The space itself is a 3,000 sq ft converted warehouse with large looming wood truss structure overhead.
See their list of studio members here.
Visit their Instagram and Website @august__studios | https://weareauguststudios.com/
Visit their location 1320 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V8
Founded in 1973, Western Front was established by a group of artists including Kate Craig, Glenn Lewis, Eric Metcalfe, Michael Morris, and Vincent Trasov, along with composer Martin Bartlett, architect Mo van Nostrand, and writer Henry Greenhow. Together, they collectively purchased the Knights of Pythias Lodge, transforming it into a communal space for living and working. Officially incorporating as a non-profit society in 1974, they chose the name Western Front to reflect the building’s pioneer-like façade, its West Coast location, and their avant-garde artistic pursuits.
The diverse activities at Western Front were united by a shared resistance to the conventional art market system, emphasizing artists’ autonomy. They drew inspiration from Fluxus anti-art concepts, such as Robert Filliou’s Eternal Network, the countercultural ethos of the West Coast, and emerging opportunities in new media and telecommunication technologies. These guiding principles led to initiatives like the memorable Mr. Peanut mayoral campaign of 1974 and innovative programs focused on telecommunications, computer graphics, and media art production.
See their current events here.
Visit their Instagram and Website @western_front | https://westernfront.ca/
Visit their location 303 E 8th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1S1
Whistler
Originated by a diverse group of Whistler artists in the summer of 2009, The Point Artist-Run Centre (PARC) was established with a vision of creating a collective hub where both local and visiting artists could work, exhibit, perform, refine their skills, and interact with the public. PARC is dedicated to fostering artistic excellence in Whistler through arts education, affordable live/work spaces, and collaborative projects that engage the wider community.
Their activities encompass a range of special events throughout the winter months, expanding to full-time programming during summer. Additionally, PARC provides Artist Day Studios for rent and offers Artist-in-Residence programs. Events include theatre productions, music and art festivals, dinner shows, evening events featuring local and visiting artists, an annual Sunday Concert Series in summer, art workshops, writer retreats, children’s theatre, music and art camps, as well as acting classes and mentorship opportunities.
See their current events here.
Visit their Instagram and Website @thepointarts | https://www.thepointartists.com/
Visit their location 5678 Alta Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B5
New Westminster
New West Artists was founded over 12 years ago as a volunteer-run, non-profit society with the mission to support both new and experienced artists. From the outset, they have been dedicated to inspiring and guiding their members in their artistic journeys through exhibitions, workshops, and events. They serve as a valuable community resource, fostering greater awareness and admiration for art by engaging with the local community. Their core objectives include creating and expanding opportunities for promoting visual art and supporting their artist members, encouraging professional development among their members, enhancing the community’s understanding and appreciation of visual art, and serving as a vital resource within the artist community.
See their current artists here.
Visit their Instagram and Website @newwestartists | https://newwestartists.com/
Surrey
Located in Surrey and supported by Community Living Society, Studio Seventy Three is the creative hub for a talented group of artists specializing in glasswork. They craft exquisite glassware, decorative pieces, and wearable art using advanced techniques in molding and fusing, showcasing their original designs.
The artists at Studio Seventy Three receive dedicated support from a team of professionals, aiding them in mastering new techniques and utilizing glass kilns and other essential equipment. Their artwork is regularly exhibited at art shows and galleries across the Lower Mainland, showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision.
See their current glass artists and online shop here
Visit their Instagram and Website @studio73_surreybc | https://www.studioseventythree.ca/
Visit their location 7320 137 St #112, Surrey, BC V3W 1A4
Langley
Situated in Fort Langley, BC, Number 52 Studio + Gallery holds significance for artist Paul Wood, who honed his creative talents during his formative years in this locale. The Design and Art Studio serves as a gallery as well as a full functioning Letterpress print shop. Paul is a mixed media artist and a Graphic Designer who has lived and worked in Langley all of his life.
Following a lengthy career in Art Direction and Design, Paul has come back to this familiar setting to delve into new ideas for the future and dedicate more time to his fine art endeavours. The gallery serves as a platform for Paul to showcase and sell his artwork to the public.
Please note: changes to public access will currently be by appointment. Please contact number52@icloud.com to confirm availability for your visit. This includes inquiring about works you see on their website.
There are many ways to get to these by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.
Compiled by Natasha Ponda
All photos from official website or instagram