VOAF 2017

The 2017 Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival was a tremendous success!

From Community Arts Council Executive Director Eric Rhys-Miller:

“The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive with artists appreciative of the level of care and planning that made them feel really supported. Our gratitude in turn for the courage and craft shown by all the artists who participated.

Big thanks to the Roundhouse staff and volunteers, and the groups who participated: Gallery Gachet, The Art Studios, and Coast Mental Health. We succeeded in bringing some of our shining outsiders a little more inside the public’s awareness, while boosting a sense of community and confidence.”

Once known as Art Brut, Outsider Art refers to the work of any artist who has little or no contact with the mainstream art world, often including low-income, visionary, folk, and aboriginal artists, and artists with mental health diagnoses. Outsider Art fairs and festivals are held in London, New York, and Paris. Given Vancouver’s number of outsider artists, we see tremendous value in this inclusive movement.*

The inaugural Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival offers access to audiences, patrons, peers, community and learning to artists who do not currently have access to mainstream markets or cultural institutions.

Unlike many art fairs, both performing and visual artists are invited to share their work, build their skills, and strengthen their connections to community.