Vancouver, British Columbia is a location that is world renowned for its vibrant arts and entertainment community. Whether you're into opera, ballet, art galleries, live music or symphonic, Vancouver's residents have found a multitude of creative ways to express themselves. They love sharing and demonstrating their passions with visitors to this beautiful city. Every November for the past 19 years, there has been an expansive showcase of local art, know as the Eastside Culture Crawl. For four days, over 450 different local artists from the disciplines of painting, sculpting, furniture making, jewelry making, weaving, pottery, photography, and many other forms of artistic expression open their studios to the public.
The festival aims to connect the public with Vancouver's local artists, to promote their works, raise awareness, and to increase art appreciation. In addition, there are multiple classes, workshops, and seminars for the public to participate in, so they can learn about how much work goes into creating art from all disciplines. Eastside Culture Crawl also offers struggling artists the opportunity to work in facilities with materials that would be otherwise unavailable at this point in their careers. Regardless of your age and background there is something for you at the Eastside Culture Crawl. We got the opportunity to interview Esther Rausenberg, the Executive Director of the Eastside Culture Crawl, about the event.
RAL: Tell me about the Eastside Culture Crawl.
ER: The Eastside Culture Crawl is a unique four-day visual arts, design, and craft festival. Over 450 artists open their studios and invite the public to engage in the art making process. This is our 19th year and we have around 20,000 to 25,000 studio visits during the Crawl, with over 55,000 unique visitors to our website. The Culture Crawl is open to all ages who are intrigued and/or interested in the arts.
RAL: Walk me through a typical day at the event.
ER: There are several demonstrations in various studios from glass blowing to chainsaw demos. Most artists will take you through their work process and discuss how they achieved a particular technique. The Culture Crawl features work from emerging to established artists who have exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally.
For dining options, there are several cafes within the Crawl area including the Wilder Snail and Union Market. New this year is a beer garden at Strange Fellows, which is also showcasing our film called Moving Art. This is our projection series featuring an installation by Sherry Cooper, titled, “The Receiving Line”. We also have food trucks at the Parker Street building.
RAL: What's the overall environment like?
ER: Hard to describe the feeling of thousands of people coming out and experiencing art in every medium. The atmosphere is charged and exciting. People are inspired, excited, and in awe of their surroundings!
RAL: What can attendees expect for local lodging?
ER: There are many different options for accommodations in the area. Downtown Vancouver is within walking distance of our event giving travelers plenty of options. A couple of the local lodging options include the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and Hilton Vancouver Metrotown.
RAL: Is there one particular place that people tend to congregate at during the event?
ER: Many people tend to gravitate to the larger buildings on their first visit and then move on to other studios. This year we are piloting a shuttle service offered through MODO (car co-op) and have the bike Valet. Hopefully these two modes of transport will allow attendees to venture off into other areas.
RAL: Does the event drive business to the local economy?
ER: With over 450 artists, everyone is benefiting! Artists are selling their artwork, and businesses such as restaurants are packed. It’s best to make a reservation at restaurants that weekend in order to save on wait times.
RAL: Does the Eastside Culture Crawl support any special causes in the community?
ER: Our event supports art in schools through our Studio 101 program. We bring school children to the artist studios where they do an art workshop. Each student creates their own unique piece of art. We also contribute a work of art to the school for their own Art Collection.
For more information about the Eastside Culture Crawl please visit their website.
Photo Courtesy of Eastside Culture Crawl, Art by Leanne Christie