Chinatown Storytelling Centre to open in Vancouver, the first permanent space of its kind in Canada
The purpose-built space will feature exhibitions, a theatre space, speaker series, and more, all sharing the experiences of early Chinese immigrants
Chinatown Storytelling Centre presents stories of early Chinese immigrants and the role they played in Canada’s foundations and forming.
WHEN VANCOUVER CHINATOWN Foundation’s Chinatown Storytelling Centre opens on November 6, it will be the first permanent space of its kind in Canada.
Located in the heart of Chinatown at 168 East Pender Street, it will present the stories of early Chinese immigrants and the role they played in the building of Canada through permanent and special exhibitions, public programming by Howard Jang, photos, films, interactive kiosks, an augmented reality app, and other features. More than 100 Chinese-Canadians have contributed stories about their immigration history, the challenges they have overcome, and the barriers they have broken.
“The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is a central component of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s cultural revitalization efforts,” Carol Lee, board chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, said in a release. “It has been years in the making, and we are excited for people to visit, learn about the history of those who have come before us, and experience the rich heritage of the Chinese Canadian community, especially those from Vancouver’s Chinatown. Every unique piece of memorabilia, video, photograph, and story has been thoughtfully curated by our dedicated and hardworking team, with contributions from across Canada. We look forward to this space becoming the heart of our community in Chinatown.”
The theatre space at Chinatown Storytelling Centre will play in-house films, archival footage, and new films by community partners.
Located in the centre of the gallery, a theatre will feature archival films, in-house productions, and short films by community partners.
The Yucho Chow Photo Studio is named after the artist who opened his first studio in Chinatown in 1906. The space holds many of his original photographs and a feature allowing visitors to create digital postcards.
Pagoda phone booths that were once common in Chinatown have been re-created as an interactive storytelling feature; you can dial a number and listen to personal stories about Chinatown in English and Cantonese.
On the centre’s augmented reality app, there’s an interview with a World War II veteran, a look at Yucho Chow’s photography studio, and scenes of nightlife in the neighbourhood during the boom years.
A gift shop will also open adjacent to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Foo Hung Curios is named after a Chinatown import/export business founded in 1921 by Bick Lee. The shop will offer home goods, stationery, art, and jewellery that all relate to and celebrate Chinese heritage.
Born in Shanghai, Madeline Chung was BC’s first female gynecologist. Her practice began in 1956, and she delivered more than 7,200 babies. Hers is one of scores of stories of Chinese immigrants that will be shared at the new centre.
“We are incredibly proud of the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and what we hope to achieve for our community and beyond,” Howard Jang, Chinatown Storytelling Centre director of programming said in a release. “Our aim is to honour the past, while shaping the future. This is only the beginning. We are currently working on creative public programming, including workshops, speaker series, and ongoing dialogues on a diverse range of topics. Our goal is to continue to engage the community at large and encourage people to share their stories for generations to come.”
For more information, see www.chinatownstorytellingcentre.org.
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