Tonight was my first time visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery, after hours. I didn’t know they hosted such events, transforming the normally quiet gallery into a party venue across all its floors.
This is a one night only event, themed “Ancient Futures”, where traditions of the past are celebrated and reimagined for the future. An immersive, late-night celebration filled with art, music, and performances.
Not only do you get to take in their regular and seasonal exhibits, but also enjoy live performance art in an around it, and then even make your own art.
We were able to experience the exhibitions in a new light as it took us through journey across time and imagination.
As per the event page: “Delve into nature in That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature, envision speculative futures represented in Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change, and encounter the evolving narratives in Highlights from the Collection. In the Rotunda, Jim Lambie’s vibrant installation sets the tone with immersive colour and rhythm.”
Throughout the evening, there was a dynamic lineup of performances and participatory works, including:
Red carpet host Mx. Bukuru.
Landings for Six, a work by Action at a Distance that reflects on time and space, inviting audiences to linger in transitional moments between movement, memory and the present.
In the wake of a sleeping machine, Shion Skye Carter’s rhythmic ensemble brings to life the vitality of community connection, exploring how communities respond to change, adapt and move forward.
Lively, accessible Hot Spot Tours of Highlights from the Collection with art historian and humorist Adrienne Fast.
Wine, beer, and cocktails were available purchase. However you were only able to drink in certain areas, with the rest of the gallery restricted and guarded by security. Drinking was possible within the Museum’s lobby, at their in-house gallery cafe, and on the fourth floor. The latter of which was turned into a club with live DJ sets by Rina Pellerin and MAMALIA, spinning familiar tracks and there being enough floor to dance to it.
Guests were also able to make their own accessories out of news print, with a general fashion show to be able to show them off at. This was a hands-on activity led by FakeKnot, where guests were invited to create wearable art using only paper fibre. No glue, tape or additional materials were provided or required. There were paper hats and crowns, I saw paper bangles, and we ourselves carried around paper staffs.
Given the assortment of entertainment available across the entire gallery, this brought in a very diverse crowd, all merging together for the appreciation of art. This was such a unique event and I already cannot wait for the next one.
Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
(604) 662-4700
vanartgallery.bc.ca
