Arts Umbrella

Arts Umbrella is where young artists ages 2-22 cultivate their creativity in dance, theatre, and art and design. As a non-profit arts-education centre, home to the Audain School of Art & Design, School of Dance, and Robert M. Ledingham School of Theatre, Music & Film, the organization’s mission is centred on the belief that art has the power to change the lives of young people in phenomenal ways, inspiring them to become confident, creative, and compassionate citizens.

In 1979, Arts Umbrella opened its doors to 45 children. It was an endeavour buoyed by the dream of five passionate artists and parents concerned about the lack of arts education available to young people in Metro Vancouver.  Over the four decades since then, Arts Umbrella has continued to build on the vision established by the founders, striving to provide a place where young people can flourish, developing strength and confidence and finding the freedom that comes with self-expression.

Whole-self learning is the philosophy that guides every program at Arts Umbrella. From toddlers arriving for their first visual arts, dance, or drama class to teens training in intensive programs before heading out into the professional world, Arts Umbrella believes that arts education can provide a space for students to examine the world and their place in it, using their education as a foundation for life.

The organization has grown immensely over the years, with three locations and Vancouver and Surrey, currently reaching nearly 20,000 young people at schools, community centres, neighbourhood houses, and healthcare facilities throughout Metro Vancouver and across Canada every year. Access to the arts regardless of social or economic circumstance has been a cornerstone of Arts Umbrella’s vision since the day it was founded, with 77% of students participating in programs at little to no-cost, whether with financial support via scholarships and bursaries or through community programs.

In the spring of 2021, Arts Umbrella opened the doors to its new 50,000-net-square-foot home in the iconic South Building of the former Emily Carr University of Art + Design on Granville Island. The facility more than doubled its former square footage, significantly increasing capacity to serve young people. Among the facility’s features are six dance studios, four theatre and music studios, 10 art and design studios (including Mac labs and a print shop), a 132-seat professional theatre, a permanent exhibition gallery, and workshop spaces for woodworking and stagecraft.