Image Credit: VMF Winter Arts
Discover a free outdoor celebration across Downtown Vancouver this winter. From February 11-27, 2022, VMF Winter Arts transforms the city’s downtown core into an interactive, open-air gallery and celebration of art and live entertainment. Produced by VMF (the team behind Vancouver Mural Festival) and presented by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, the second annual event brings together augmented reality (AR) art, light installations, and live performances to brighten the city and safely connect communities outside.
VMF Winter Arts was created in 2021 amidst a pandemic. As it celebrates its second year, physical safety and mental well-being remains at the forefront. The event is designed to inspire joy and creativity, connect communities, encourage outdoor activity, and support local businesses and artists, while enabling social distancing and a safe, welcoming outdoor space for all.
Over 17 days, free public art and entertainment can be discovered along the VMF Winter Arts route from Canada Place, along Burrard to Bentall Centre and Park Place, to the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Public Library Square, and Yaletown; plus BC Place and Science World.
Image Credit: VMF Winter Arts
At the centre of it all will be the Winter Arts Hub, located at šxʷƛənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on the north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery. A new addition to the festival this year, the Winter Arts Hub will be a central, welcoming outdoor space—covered yet heated and airy—for all to safely gather to enjoy food, drinks, art, and free live performances.
Image Credit: @carrot_ee
VMF is committed to showcasing and supporting underrepresented and marginalized communities and artists. Diversity and inclusivity are at the core of VMF’s values and are reflected in the strong BIPOC and LGBTQIAS+ representation across VMF Winter Arts’ visual and performance artist line-up.
WHAT TO EXPERIENCE AT VMF WINTER ARTS
VMF WINTER ARTS is a free outdoor festival transforming downtown Vancouver into an open-air gallery and celebration featuring Augmented Reality (AR) art, light installations and live entertainment. VMF Winter Arts is designed to inspire joy and creativity, connect communities, encourage outdoor activity, and support local businesses and artists, while enabling social distancing and a safe, welcoming outdoor space for all. VMF Winter Arts is produced by the team behind Vancouver Mural Festival and presented by the Downtown Vancouver BIA.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE VMF WINTER ARTS:
• Explore AR ART and LIGHT INSTALLATIONS throughout downtown.
→ Inspire an interest in digital art, technology, and culture.
• Discover BLANKETING THE CITY featuring Musqueam art illuminated across iconic landmarks.
→ Learn about Indigenous art.
• Visit the free, all-ages, outdoor WINTER ARTS HUB to enjoy art, drinks, food and performances.
→ Enjoy free entertainment in a covered, heated outdoor space, while supporting underrepresented artists.
• Sign up for guided WALKING TOURS presented by Herschel Supply.
→ Learn the stories behind the art, community and social impact.
• Participate in the free online TALK SERIES presented by Electronic Arts.
→ Learn about “Empathy in the Digital Space.”
• Discover ‘DYNAMIC DIASPORAS.’
→ Learn about the history of BC’s Black pioneers.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
• HOURS: The public art is accessible every day from Feb. 11-27. (Tip: For the full VMF Winter Arts experience, best times to attend are Wed/Thur/Sun 4-9PM and
Fri/Sat 4-1OPM when the Hub stage/bar is activated and lights are on)
• HEALTH & SAFETY: Winter Arts takes place outdoors with physical distancing and your
safety in mind. The Hub follows PHO guidelines for capacity and sanitation.
• WHAT YOU NEED: Bring your phone to experience the AR (Tips: Update to the latest
version of Instagram to activate the AR. Charge up your phone or visit the Hub’s free
charging station).
• WEATHER: Open rain, shine or snow. Dress for an outdoor experience, including comfortable
walking shoes.
• GETTING THERE: Public transportation is recommended. Nearest skytrain stations are:
Waterfront, City Centre, Granville and Yaletown. Paid parking (meters and lots) are
available across downtown.
Download the free VMF App to find the art locations (or see the map)
“The past two years have highlighted the positive impact of public art and public space on community well-being—individually, collectively and economically. As we begin a new year, VMF remains committed to continually reimagining how we safely bring communities together through public art and experiences. We hope this year’s VMF Winter Arts will bring light to our city in February and beyond.” – Andrea Curtis, VMF Executive Director.
Visit winterartsfest.com and follow @winterartfest on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for the latest updates. VMF Winter Arts is fully compliant with BC Health regulations. Event details are subject to change in accordance with new updates.
