The Vancouver Art Gallery is proud to offer a suite of Community Access Programs that remove barriers to cultural participation, amplify historically marginalized voices, and create a sense of belonging for visitors. These initiatives serve thousands of individuals each year—from children and teens to newcomers to Canada, as well as Indigenous, Asian, Black, 2SLGBTQIA+ and other equity-deserving communities—ensuring that art reflects and celebrates the diversity of Vancouver.
Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, heritage and Pride programming, and barrier-free tours, participants engage with art in meaningful ways that spark creativity, pride and connection.
Some of these programs include:
- The Making Place, welcoming 5,000+ people annually into a hands-on studio space.
- Spring and Summer Camps, engaging 300+ children and youth in immersive week-long art experiences.
- Teen Programs, providing mentorship and community for 25+ teens each year.
- School Programs, serving 8,000+ students annually through curriculum-based tours and workshops.
- Community Partnership Program, offering complimentary admission to non-profit, equity-seeking organizations that serve historically marginalized communities. Partner groups receive a Gallery Membership that allows their communities to visit the Gallery any time, free of charge.
- Heritage and Inclusion Programs, such as Indigenous Heritage programming, Asian Heritage Month activities, Black Futures Month programming, and Pride and Queer Artist Programs that bring visibility and celebration to Vancouver’s diverse cultural contributions.
- Performance Residencies, offering platforms for artists from historically marginalized communities to share their work and build bridges of understanding.
- Free First Friday Nights presented by BMO, offering complimentary admission to all visitors on the first Friday of every month between 4 and 8 PM.
Explore Our Community Access Initiatives
Access To Art Transforms Lives.
“Nothing I can do or show in class can match seeing art here with the wealth of knowledge and expertise.” —Nic Kabele, Trafalgar Elementary School
“The Gallery’s Education staff are a treasure! The children are always engaged. I believe this is my 20th year coming. I always look forward to bringing my class to the Gallery. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job.” —Scott Lundell, Cunningham School
“The experience was highly engaging and profoundly beneficial to [our senior newcomers’] overall well-being. For many, it was their first visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, and, without this program, they might never have discovered the joy and connection to art and culture that the session offered.” —Sharon Li, Settlement Practitioner, Settlement and Family Services – ISIP Richmond, after attending an Art At Any Age Senior Programs
“Wonderful opportunity and access provided to resources that I don’t have. I don’t paint, and this allowed me and my daughter to try together. It was wonderful and therapeutic.” —Participant in The Making Place
“Definitely a happy place of mine! I usually visit the art gallery and see the same exhibitions a few times. Once by myself, and then with friends, others. Different perspective every time.” —Tamineh, Gallery Member
Stories like these show how deeply the Gallery’s programs can touch lives.