About the Gallery

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We have some news regarding the accessibility renovations at the ArtStarts premises — which will result in the wind down of the ArtStarts Gallery department during this construction work. The renovations are set to begin this summer.

While we must pause the gallery's operations for the time being, this closure is vital for accessibility upgrades and our next steps as an organization serving young people in the arts. During the closure, ArtStarts will be investing in installing new accessibility features that will significantly improve the experience for all visitors.

We want to express our deep appreciation for artists, young people, and educators for their ongoing support and enthusiasm for helping young people access arts and culture. Special thanks for Kay Slater, Alyssa Martens and Peisen Ding for their contributions to ArtStarts.

When we are able to reopen the ArtStarts’ gallery we are particularly excited to introduce an accessible washroom and a lift to the 2nd floor, so young people can fully engage with ArtStarts in accessible ways.

During the closure, we encourage you to stay connected with ArtStarts through our digital platforms, where much of our inspiring artistic content, artist booking resources, grant information and updates will be shared.

If you are curious about the progress of the accessibility upgrades and the reopening process for the ArtStarts space at 808 Richards please connect with Jules André-Brown, Co-Director of Programming at ArtStarts.

*************************************************************** The ArtStarts Gallery is the only free, public gallery in Canada exclusively dedicated to young people's art.

Since the gallery opened in 2006, our exhibitions have celebrated the exciting artwork that emerges when students, educators and professional artists work together to deepen learning, creativity and community connections. Often featured are inspiring projects resulting from our Artists in the Classroom grants, which support opportunities for schools to work directly with professional artists to learn in and through the arts.

The ArtStarts Gallery is located on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. 

Attention: Our lift is currently out of order until further notice. Please read more information here.

Plan Your Visit

ArtStarts Gallery

808 Richards St, Vancouver, BC (map)
604-336-0626

All ages are welcome.
Admission is free. Donations are welcome.

Our family and gallery programming is now online. Take part in ArtStarts Explores and ArtStarts on Saturdays on Facebook. To receive the latest news on the Gallery reopening, sign up to receive our newsletter.

Youth Insight Event

The ArtStarts Gallery team is looking for 5-10 enthusiastic youth between the ages of 12-17, who are passionate about the arts, social justice, and meeting other like-minded youth! Through this online event, youth will be invited to share their opinions about what kinds of experiences, environments, and activities they love—or hate!—which will support the ArtStarts Gallery in better understanding how to create better exhibitions and public programs with youth insight at the forefront. All participants will be offered a $50 honorarium and 3 volunteer hours toward the high school community service requirement! We particularly encourage applicants from members of communities that are marginalized or that experience structural discrimination, including those identifying as Indigenous, Black, people of colour, LGBTQ2IA+, and those living with a visible or invisible disability. Please consider self-identifying in your application to help us prioritize your application.

PIP

PIP is the ArtStarts Gallery’s second touring exhibition! It expresses themes of anti-bullying and celebrates what makes us different!

View Exhibition

Gallery Tours

Group tours of the current exhibition, with or without a hands-on activity component, can also be arranged for schools, daycares, camps, corporate teams or any interested group.

Events in the Gallery

ArtStarts on Saturdays is a free monthly event series where kids and families can enjoy the arts together. Led professional artists, these performances and workshops explore a wide range of cultures and artistic disciplines. Also join us for other special events throughout the year!

Gallery Mandate

Our Gallery mandate guides our exhibitions and programming, and highlights the kind of work we’re excited to celebrate! We believe that a focus on young people in a gallery space can be transformative and that art is essential for every body. We achieve this mandate when students, educators and professional artists are working together to deepen learning, creativity and community connections.

Read the Mandate

Accessibility

Currently, only the main floor of ArtStarts is wheelchair-accessible. Our key operated lift is out of order until further notice. The front door does not have an automatic door opener - you may need to ask for support opening the door. The front desk person will be happy to assist you! The Cherniavsky Boardroom, ArtStarts Lab, and gender-neutral washrooms are located on the Mezzanine level and are only accessible by stairs.

Please note that at ArtStarts we strive to provide a scent-free environment. Please do not wear heavily scented perfumes or other smells to your workshop at ArtStarts. Please provide this information to all participants who will be attending.

Wheelchair access:

Front door: 3 feet width (single), 6 feet full width, 1/2 inch door sill, no automatic door opener

Our lift is currently out of order until further notice. We are working diligently to replace our lift as soon as possible and appreciate your patience.

Please read more information here.

Washroom info:

Two non-gendered washrooms, wheelchair button to open the green door washroom only

All wheelchair accessible washroom stalls have a handrail

Sanitary disposal available in all stalls

6 feet clearance in front of sinks

Non-scented soap, sharps disposal, and changing tables in washrooms