A free outdoor celebration of arts is coming to Downtown Vancouver this winter!
From February 11-27, 2022, VMF Winter Arts will transforms the city’s downtown core into an interactive, open-air gallery and celebration of art and live entertainment. Produced by VMF (the organization 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 allow the community to safely connect 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 17-day 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.
“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
The VMF Winter Arts route allows free public art and entertainment to be discovered 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.
A new addition to the festival this year, the Winter Arts Hub, located at šxw?? ?n?q Xwtl’e7én? Square (Vancouver Art Gallery), will be a central, welcoming heated, and covered, outdoor space for all to safely gather to enjoy food, drinks, art, and free live performances.
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.
Highlights of VMF Winter Arts activities include:
*Discover and experience Augmented Reality (AR) art and Light installations throughout downtown Vancouver.
*Visit the Winter Arts Hub, a free, licensed, covered outdoor plaza, to enjoy art, drinks, food and live entertainment (DJs, live music, drag shows, dance performances, Alegría by Cirque du Soleil VR plus teaser performances by CircusWest).
*Discover Blanketing The City: Lighting The Way featuring Musqueam art illuminated across iconic landmarks.
*Download the free VMF App to find festival art locations, walks, talks and other events.
*Follow @winterartsfest and #winterartsfest to connect with the community.
VMF Winter Arts runs February 11-27, 2022, visit winterartsfest.com or the app, for full event details including event registrations, schedules, artists, maps, and more!