Abstract
The annual Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival offers visual and performing artists facing social exclusion and other barriers opportunities for exhibition and sales, performance and participation, connection and learning. In response to pandemic restrictions this year’s festival was mostly virtual. Visual artists were offered the opportunity to participate in an 8-week workshop to create an online artist statement. Thirteen artists were given a tool kit consisting of a microphone, a light and a tripod to use with a cell phone. Each artist produced a 3-minute video artist statement. Performances were filmed in a professional setting. The online event featured over 3 evenings a live-stream of 11 performing acts including 36 artists, plus the 13 artist video statements and an interactive chat on Dec 3-5. An online exhibition of 17 visual artists was created. Around 100 viewing households participated for each 1.5 – 2-hour broadcast of recorded material. Finally, an in-person exhibit for 17 artists November 9 – January 9 was held at the Lost & Found Café.Feedback evaluation sessions were held with the artists, the organization committee and staff. Artists created stronger connections with each other thanks to the workshops. Overall a very successful production stage resulted in high quality audio and video. The turn towards online festival required more technical expertise and less involvement from volunteers. The public enjoyed the diversity and depth of talent showcased in the festival. A hybrid event is being planned for this year. Video clips of artist statements and performances will complete this presentation.
Presenters
Pierre LeichnerArtistic Director of Outsider Festival, Community Arts Council of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada John Trinh
Program Manager, Community Arts Council of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Art of the FESTIVAL, ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, ABILITIES and DISABILITIES, INCLUSION
