The 6th Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival celebrates art that is often unseen

The following is excerpted from Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival Press Release.

From October 14–16, 2022, the Community Arts Council of Vancouver (CACV) will present the 6th annual Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival (VOAF) at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. As Canada’s first and only outsider art festival, VOAF provides a much-needed platform to celebrate artists who live and work outside of mainstream cultural spaces. VOAF invites visitors to rethink and experience art often found at the periphery of society. This weekend promises to be one of connection and learning, through free exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

“Outsider art shakes up what we think and know about art, challenging traditional notions about who and what counts in the art world,” says Kristin Cheung, executive director of CACV. “These artists have various levels of training and come from diverse cultural backgrounds, bringing with them a variety of life experiences. Their art often addresses difficult social and political issues head on. There is an amazing richness in the work that will leave viewers with a greater sense of community and a deeper understanding of those around them.”

VOAF’s artist selection process is designed to promote equity and amplify the work of those who would traditionally face various types of barriers to having their work exhibited. Eligible artists self-identify as outsiders, demonstrate commitment to their practice, and have a comprehensive body of work that is festival-ready. Candidates are then selected through a lottery process, a common practice across fringe festivals. At VOAF, these artists will have the opportunity to share their perspectives with a wider audience.
This year’s programming includes more than 60 artists and artist groups from across Metro Vancouver, representing visual artists, performers, art groups, and emerging bands. Returning artists include the Vancouver Cantonese Opera, multi-disciplinary artist Charlie Sandeman, and visual artist Penny N. Lim, while new artists include singer-songwriter Jason Qiu, the poetry group The Troupe de Poetry, and drag king Heathen.

In addition to visual and performing arts presentations, CiTR & Discorder Magazine will showcase live performances, a workshop titled “Media Ethics for Non-Fiction Storytellers,” and live on-air interviews that will be broadcast on the festival’s opening day, October 14. Throughout the festival, the public is also invited to attend free workshops focused on felting, Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), ceramics, and more.

Following the festival’s close, VOAF will present a free concert of past performers at the Annex Theatre (823 Seymour St) on Saturday, October 29 at 6pm. A touring exhibition across the Lower Mainland will begin in December 2022 and continue into fall 2023. Venues and dates will be announced on CACV’s social media later this year. ​

VOAF 2022 Participating Visual Artists
Amy J. Dyck, Ankha Sita Qualia, Anoop Dhaliwal, Aryana Neff, Barb Bell, Bay Ribeiro, Blip Photography, Brandy Mars Designs, Charlie Sandeman, Cole Schmidt, Dano Guay, Fateh Creations, Georgia Youngs, Girish Chandok, Glenn Hesse, Hoda Mir, Jacqueline Primeau, John Clinock, Tuyết Ánh Judith Nguyễn, Karen C, Karen Vanon, Katalina Guerrero, Linda Haftner, Margaux Wosk (Retrophiliac), Maureen West, Melanie Stuparyk, MigyB, Mishel Arrieta, myclaraoceans, Nané Jordan, Norman Brule, Norman Watson, Omega Al, Penny N. Lim, Pili, Sam Lynn Gallant, Shamsah Mohamed, Stevie Broome, Taylor Neal, Tianna Hall, Totter, Val Fishman, Varro Arts, Wendy Stewart

VOAF 2022 Participating Performing Artists
Angelic Goldsky, Aridonis, Beautiful Losers, Future Star, Heathen, Jason Qiu, Laura Fukumoto, Matthew Presidente, Tamami Maitland Trio, Taz Solace, The Troupe de Poetry, Vancouver Cantonese Opera

VOAF 2022 is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver, Canadian Heritage, Modo, and Creative BC.