Care about the @WaldorfHotel and beyond? Roll up your sleeves, Big Mouth

WORDS: Polina Bachlakova

This week has been trying for anyone who knows and cherishes The Waldorf Hotel and the arts in Vancouver in general. It may feel like a heavy, uncertain time for arts & culture in Vancouver. Yet when was it ever certain? When have we ever felt secure in the arts spaces we use, develop, cherish, invest in? That's why those of us who choose to live in this city and support the arts have become really, really good at something: rolling up our sleeves and just doing it ourselves, despite the brick walls and red tape. And now, the generation that grew up watching and experiencing venue closure after funding cut after condo development is arming itself with the best tool to take a stand for the cultural development of Vancouver: an education.

Vancouver has an abundance of students studying the arts at a whole variety of institutions like UBC, Emily Carr, SFU, Lanagara, and Capilano, just to name a few. There is so much potential in this combination of an education and hyper-awareness of our state of affairs within the arts - so it's about time we connected this rich resource of a passionate, socially conscious generation to the creative leaders and innovators operating in our city. In light of the latest arts and culture challenge posed upon us, perhaps a real move to social change - a move to mobilize our community - can emerge through Big Mouth.

Big Mouth offers an evening dedicated to redefining the relationship between the arts and education. Seven speakers from various creative industries will give seven short speeches, sharing their life experiences, perspectives and passions with a crowd of UBC students.

This event emerges out of a distinct need to shift a specific paradigm in this crucial time for Arts students in Canada. Our goal is to disrupt the stereotypes and doubts surrounding turning an arts education into a career, and to inspire and convince students of real possibilities to direct an arts education into a career and a lifestyle.

Throughout the evening, the audience will hear from:

Nigel is the Executive Director of The Contemporary Art Gallery. He previously held the position of Curator at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, UK, and has worked internationally in art centers such as Munich, Rotterdam, and Venice. He is credited with launching Canadian artists, such as Roy Arden and Steven Shearer, onto the international scene. Nigel is one of the fifteen members of the City of Vancouver Arts & Policy Council.

		Nigel Prince

Sarah is the Director of Macaulay & Co. Fine Art, and was Co-Director of Blanket Contemporary Art Gallery up until its closure this past year. She represents prestigious artists such as Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, Beau Dick, and Mark Soo.

Sarah Macaulay

Omer Arbel is the Founder of Omer Arbel Office (OAO), a creative firm that has produced boundary-breaking projects such as 23.2 House, which was shortlisted for the 2010 World Architecture Festival Award. OAO’s limited edition furniture has been exhibited in galleries including the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Chicago Athenaeum Museum. In 2010, Arbel co-designed the 2010 Winter Olympic Medals with artist Corinne Hunt. Arbel is the recipient of the Canada Council’s 2010 Ron Thom Early Design Achievement Award. He is also Creative Director at Bocci, a high-end manufacturing and design company.

		Omer Arbel

Bruce is Principal at DIALOG, an award-winning Architecture firm that is behind notable projects such as SFU’s UniverCity and UBC’s new AMS Student Union Building. In fact, Bruce is Project Architect for the new Student Union Building. Bruce has extensive experience in institutional, social services, residential, retail and First Nations projects, with work ranging widely from wastewater treatment plants to cafes. Bruce has chaired the Vancouver Urban Design Panel, and has been the Vancouver correspondent for Canadian Architect Magazine for a decade. Recently, he was the President of the Board of Vancouver’s Contemporary Art Gallery.

Bruce Haden

Graeme is the Founder and Creative Director of The Cheaper Show, an annual one-night art show that showcases emerging artists and affordable art. He is also an artist represented by the Douglas Udell Gallery, and co-director of Black & Yellow Gallery. Graeme is one of fifteen members of the City of Vancouver Arts & Culture Policy Council. Graeme is also Partner at VEST, a creative and consulting firm.

		Graeme Berglund

Office Supplies Incorporated is a collage artist. Although primarily sticking to street art and commissioned works, he has shown with the Vancouver Art Gallery and has recently shown in New York. He is based in Vancouver.

Office Supplies Incorporated

Vanessa Richards

Vanessa is Community Engagement Manager at the Arts Club Theatre Company, and was previously the Director of Community Engagement Through the Arts at SFU at Woodwards. Vanessa was an advisor for 2012's City of Vancouver Black History Month, and has previously been the Community Liaison for the Public Dreams Society (responsible for the Illuminares Lantern Festival and the Parade of the Lost Souls). Vanessa is also a published poet and a jazz musician.

After the seven speeches, audience members and speakers will engage in a 20 minute-long Question & Answer period, followed by a reception.

WHERE: Buchanan Penthouse - Buchanan Building B, 1866 Main Mall, UBC Campus

WHEN: Wednesday, January 16, 5:30-8:30

HOW MUCH: Free.

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/458103884226614/

AHSA tumblr: http://www.ubcahsa.tumblr.com

Curated by Polina Bachlakova