In the most recent Census, nearly 10 per cent of all West End residents said their job was in the arts and culture sector. Thats 4,100 people out of a population of 45,000, making the West End the most creative neighbourhood in Vancouver.
When youve got it, flaunt it.
Thanks to grants from the Vancouver Foundation through Gordon Neighbourhood House, West End arts advocates have several arts-based projects in the works.
On June 24, residents are invited to share their creative vision for the neighbourhood at an arts open house. Do you think there should be an arts centre? Or an arts market? How can people pool their resources to make their artistic ventures more feasible? And just who are all these artistic people? Wouldnt it be nice to meet one another?
The open house is at Coast Plaza Hotel from 7 to 9pm.Go here for details.
Tangible proof of the West Ends artistic bent will be found in GASP Art Mag, which will debut this fall. The glossy magazine will feature stories about West End arts and artists, exposing the unexposed. If youd like to suggest a story, or even write one or submit a piece of art, go here.
And if all of this seems too far in the future, go to Car Free Day on Denman Street this Sunday. (See page 12.) The Art Jam started on June 8, when young people gathered at the Empire Landmark Hotel to paint small canvases that celebrate what they love about the West End. People are invited to add to the project on June 16 by dropping by the booth at outside King George Secondary School on Denman between Haro and Robson between noon and 6pm. Paint your heart out!
The winner will be chosen at the close of Car Free Day and awarded a $100 prize.
Each of the art tiles is being photographed and will be displayed on the Facebook page of the Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery. The art will also be displayed in various public areas and will be included in the City of Vancouver West End Community Plan.
With thanks to West End arts advocate John Hewson and Satomi Hirano.
