5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (September 20-26)

Credit: Francis, Sho Sho Esquiro (centre) and No Apology Necessary at Notre Dame, Paris, France (2019). Photograph courtesy of the artist.

1. Sho Sho Esquiro: Doctrine of Discovery

September 22 to June 5

Artist Sho Sho Esquiro is a master of multimedia: her upcoming exhibition features couture gowns, raw textiles, paintings and photographs. All of her work celebrates the strength of Indigenous communities in the face of historical and ongoing trauma. During the exhibition’s nine-month run, the gallery will be hosting workshops in weaving, and textiles—sign up for one here.

When: Wednesday, September 22 to Sunday, June 5 2022
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Cost: $13 for adults
More Info: billreidgallery.ca

Credit: Duckie, a show at Transform Cabaret; photo by Manuel Vason

2. Transform Cabaret Festival

September 23 to October 2

There’s something for everyone at this fest: think theatre, music, comedy, drag, burlesque and circus. The 10-day-long extravaganza spotlights both local and international Indigenous artists, with a focus on unity and empowerment. Catch it online at home or attend a viewing party at the Historic Theatre.

When: Thursday September 23 to Saturday October 2
Where: Online and at the Cultch’s Historic Theatre
Cost: From $15 online, from $29 in person
More Info: transformcabaret.com

Credit: Look Towards the Sun.

3. Look Towards the Sun

September 23 to December 23

This fresh exhibit is an artistic exchange between Lam Wong, a Chinese-Canadian artist hailing from Hong Kong and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, a Cowichan and Syilx First Nations artist. It aims to connect Chinese Canadian and Indigenous art, centering on the idea that we all live under the same sun—and it’s hard to find a more beautiful venue than the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden.

When: Thursday, September 23 to Thursday, December 23
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Cost: $17 for adults
More Info: vancouverchinesegarden.com

Credit: An Eric Metcalfe mural from Teeth, Loan and Trust Company, Consolidated: The Trylowsky Collection

4. Teeth, Loan and Trust Company, Consolidated: The Trylowsky Collection

September 24 to December 11

This is a collection of dental office art (stay with us) from Dr. Zenon Trylowsky. But unlike most kitschy, seaside-focused dental decor, this is a gallery-like collection Trylowsky curated through pro bono work. He’d get art as a thank-you—the ideal exchange for artists without dental plans.

When: Friday September 24 to Saturday December 11
Where: Griffin Art Projects (North Vancouver)
Cost: Free
More Info: griffinartprojects.ca

Credit: BC Culture Days

5. BC Culture Days

September 24 to October 24

This annual free culture event is a cross-province spectacular. Artists of all kinds open their studios, put on workshops, and share their work with the public. There are hundreds of events online, and a few in-person standouts—for example, Her Tribal Roots is putting on a dancing/singing/drumming workshop at Trout Lake on September 27. Check it out.

When: Friday September 24 to Sunday October 24
Where: Online and various venues across the city
Cost: Free
More Info: culturedays.ca