The Vancouver Art Gallery Launches 'Free First Friday Nights'

This Spring, through a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery will be offering free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4pm to 8pm. These Free First Friday Nights, will provide visitors with increased access to the Gallery, opening and expanding the world of art to a broader audience, including those who may otherwise not be able to afford the cost of admission.

In addition to this annual sponsorship, BMO is supporting the new Vancouver Art Gallery building project for $1.5 million.

“Arts and culture enrich our lives, and are an essential source of inspiration, connection and understanding. Partnerships like these drive our community’s progress and contribute to a more inclusive society.”said Gary Whitfield, Regional President, BC Region, BMO Private Wealth.

Through this initiative, the Gallery will join several other global cultural institutions that also offer free admission on Friday nights. Friday was a natural choice for the Gallery as it typically yields the most traffic, making it the most convenient day for the public to access for free. The Free First Friday Nights program will enable the Gallery to continue to play an active role in improving accessibility and fostering creative thinking and problem-solving for all ages and backgrounds. This intention is guided by one of the Gallery’s four pathways, to foster community and learning by expanding public access to art.

In addition to the Free First Friday Night offerings, the Gallery will also be creating additional public programming and educational tours for visitors to enjoy free of charge. Among these initiatives is the Gallery’s newly established Public Partnership Program, which enables members of more than 15 participating organizations to visit the Gallery for free as often as they wish.

For more information, please visit vanartgallery.bc.ca/free.