North Van Arts
North Van Arts celebrates arts and culture on Vancouver’s North Shore. Through free, contemporary, and diverse exhibitions, public events, arts classes, art rental, and more, we believe the arts have the power to uplift and connect.
Founded in 1969 as the North Vancouver Community Arts Council, North Van Arts has a mandate to enable emerging and professional artists in all disciplines, to bridge cultures, and to build strong and healthy communities through the arts. We advocate for accessible arts and culture on the North Shore, encourage artistic understanding and growth, and promote and appreciate the cultural heritage and diversity of this region.
North Van Arts is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our community and local artists, eagerly collaborating and working with multiple and varied partners and stakeholders to create a lively arts and culture scene on the North Shore.
We were instrumental in starting an innovative and successful Art Rental Programme, which remains popular today (1972); converting the former City Hall into a hub for arts and culture (1976); and initiating cultural events such as Wildlights Lantern Festival (1999 to 2009), Mountain Mardi Gras (2006), and Trolley Dances (2012 to 16). In 2000, we created a Youth Cultural Development Endowment Fund. Over the years, North Van Arts has also organized and fundraised for multiple public art pieces on the North Shore.
Our latest project, the North Shore Culture Compass, developed in partnership with Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, is a free online map that visualizes the rich cultural offerings of the North Shore. An accessible navigational tool featuring key information about points of interest, the Culture Compass encourages local residents and tourists alike to connect with the history, art, and stories of the North Shore. From museums to natural places, annual festivals to art galleries, the map encompasses the cultural diversity of the region.
We believe arts and culture are at the heart of every community, with artists and creatives helping to invigorate and bring colour to neighbourhoods, developing cultural identity. We are committed to offering opportunities for everyone to participate in the arts and to have fun, innovate, and grow.
