Art Vancouver returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre from April 11–14, 2024. The international art fair’s 8th edition welcomes nearly 60 exhibitors from across Canada and around the world. There’s something for everyone to discover with all types of artwork to explore, ranging from painting and photography, to sculpture and digital art. The event is hosted by Vancouver Visual Art Foundation whose mission is to create meaningful opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds and cultures through art. The fair has grown significantly since it was founded in 2015 and attracted over 11,000 attendees last year.
Celebrating voices from a diverse cultural breadth, Art Vancouver showcases artists and galleries from across Canada, as well as Argentina, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, the U.S., and Vietnam. Visitors can learn, watch live demonstrations, create, and be inspired through a diverse lineup of events at the fair. A highlight is The Face of Art Runway Show, a fun take on a fashion show where artists strut their artwork down the runway, connecting the audience with its creator.
The popular Art Talks series provides deeper ways to engage in relevant topics by bringing together artists and industry experts to share their experiences and insights. Last year’s talks included topics from AI Art to NFTs. This year’s talk is titled Censorship in Indigenous Art: Unveiling Challenges in Public and Media Spaces and takes place on April 13 at 2pm. Join panelists who will share their stories and experiences around censorship in Indigenous art.
Take a class! Presented by Vancouver Visual Art Foundation, visitors can participate in a class, including painting with alcohol ink (heavily saturated in colour producing dreamy movements), making floral art, or delving into the therapeutic art form of neurographic drawing, which establishes new neural connections while boosting creativity. Classes are led by local artists Taisha Teal, Lauren Morris, and Lisa Wolfin who is also Executive Director and Founder of Art Vancouver.
Watch a live painting competition! Art Masters is where eight professional artists are given one theme, one hour, and one box of mystery supplies to create a new work on the spot as visitors look on in this fast-paced, exciting event. Following the competition, the audience will vote on their favourite piece and all works will be featured in a silent auction.
Art Vancouver promises to be an inspiring weekend, showcasing the profound impact of art in our lives and how art connects us to the world around us. For the full experience, consider a VIP package which includes early access to the opening night, a private tour of the exhibits, and more. Tickets start from $25 for a single day admission. Follow @artvancouver for updates and to learn more about exhibitors, and visit artvancouver.net for tickets and more information.
Opening night:
Thursday, April 11th: 7-10PM (VIP admission from 6-7PM)
Regular hours:
- Friday, April 12th: 1-9PM
- Saturday, April 13th: 12-9PM
- Sunday, April 14th: 11AM-5PM
Vancouver Convention Centre East – Hall B
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3
Article by: Kristin Lim, Feature photo by: Natasha-Redwood-Scribe