Classes, Programs and Workshops
Richmond is an arts education hub where you can find high-quality arts programs designed for all ages and abilities.
Image: Arts Programs at the Richmond Cultural Centre
While practical, academic education may seem like an obvious path to success, creativity is one of the most critical skills needed for our future and innovation is increasingly in demand.
Arts Programs at the Richmond Cultural Centre and Annex
Arts Programs at the Richmond Cultural Centre and Annex connect Richmond’s diverse community with arts education, cultural experiences and creative spaces.
A variety of specialized studios are home to high-quality, affordable arts education taught by some of the best and brightest instructors from around Metro Vancouver. Classes include a range of popular and emerging creative disciplines in the categories of dance, digital arts, fibre and textile arts, music, performing arts and visual arts.
To find out more about these programs, contact the Arts Programs administrative team at ArtsPrograms@richmond.ca or click to see the current season’s programs.
Arts Outreach Programs and Art Truck
Richmond offers Arts Outreach Programs to the community, often in partnership with organizations such as Richmond Museum or Richmond Public Library.
Photo: Arts Programs at the Richmond Cultural Centre: Kids Mixed Media class, 2025
Richmond Youth Media Program (RYMP)
The Richmond Youth Media Program (RYMP) is a free, referral-based program for youth, presented in partnership with Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS) and supported by the Vancouver Coastal Health Sharon Martin Community Health (SMART) Fund. Participants learn media literacy skills that are relevant to their interests in a supportive environment that includes drop-in times (to work independently) as well as structured skill-building sessions.
RYMP takes place in the Media Lab, a safe, accessible hub to explore and cultivate media arts skills that support personal and professional development. Located within the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex, the space is well-equipped with computers, cameras, projectors, 3D printers, Cricut machines and many types of digital equipment and software related to animation, digital illustration, digital art, photo/video editing and more. RYMP participants also have the opportunity to access a recording studio equipped with an electronic drum kit and electric, acoustic and bass guitars.
During RYMP sessions, youth can engage in various creative activities, including art, music creation or working on personal projects. RYMP is a safe space where youth are supported to be curious and explore creative projects, socialize and connect with resources that can benefit them.
Anyone can refer youth (13-24 years) to the Richmond Youth Media Program, including youth themselves. Visit richmond.ca/RYMP or richmondmedialab.ca to see the schedule and sign up.
Create Space
Create Space is a free, drop-in program for youth (13-24 years) to experiment with a wide variety of art forms. From textile arts and traditional crafts to digital arts and 3D printing, this program offers endless opportunities for youth to explore, engage and create.
Create Space runs weekly on Wednesday evenings at the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex. No registration or prior experience is required.
Top Photo: Richmond Youth Media Program Skill Session; DJ3, 2025
Bottom photo: RYMP session; Cricut, 2025
Jam Nights
Jam Session is a free, drop-in program where youth (13-24 years) have the opportunity to play music, record their own tracks, DJ and collaborate with other youth. Electric, acoustic and bass guitars, drums and keyboards are available or youth are welcome to bring their own instruments.
Jam Nights take place at the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex. No registration or prior experience is required. Contact MediaLab@richmond.ca for the seasonal schedule.
Mic Drop
The Mic Drop is a free open mic night for children and youth (6-24 years) to showcase their talents. All musical performances, dance acts, spoken word poetry and comedy skits are welcome. Youth and children are invited to liven up the space and perform to an intimate and supportive crowd in a “plug and play” space equipped with microphones, drums, guitars and a keyboard, as well as audio equipment to accommodate performers’ own instruments. The Mic Drop is a new initiative that has quickly grown to offer a safe, welcoming community for young musicians in Richmond.
The Mic Drop takes place on the first Friday of each month at the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex or the plaza outdoors, weather dependent. Performers can sign up for a timeslot in advance by contacting MediaLab@richmond.ca or drop-in day-of.
Photo: Youth performing at Mic Drop, 2025
Resident Art Groups
The Richmond Cultural Centre and Annex are home to Resident Art Groups that meet there regularly to hold a variety of classes and workshops while advancing their art form. Groups practice a variety of disciplines, including painting, calligraphy, photography, ceramics, quilting, weaving and spinning.
Resident Art Groups can be found at annual events including Culture Days, Doors Open and two sales hosted by the Richmond Potters’ Club. Contact group directly for information about their meetings and workshops. All groups welcome new members.
Chinese Artists Association of Richmond
Richmond Gem and Mineral Society
Richmond Weavers and Spinners Guild
Textile Arts Guild of Richmond (TAGOR)
Photo: Resident Art Group: Textile Arts Guild of Richmond (TAGOR), 2025
Richmond Art Gallery
Richmond Art Gallery offers programs for all ages interested in the visual arts, as well as special programs, school workshops and gallery tours, and classroom art kits. The Art Gallery also hosts unique workshops, networking opportunities, talks and tours that connect to gallery exhibitions.
Photo: Richmond Art Gallery School Art Program
Gateway Academy
Gateway Academy provides year-round classes for youth in acting, musical theatre, singing and speech offered by Gateway Theatre.
Photo: Gateway Theatre Academy
Community Centres
Richmond is home to nine community centres that offer year-round recreational activities for all ages and abilities. Many offer arts programming that promotes connection and creativity, along with health and wellness.
Learn about program registration and upcoming registration details.
More creative learning experiences
Richmond Public Library
Richmond's four public libraries offer a great mix of free workshops and events including the annual Writer-in-Residence program designed for aspiring writers.
Photo: Traditional Musqueam Paddles Workshop, Engaging Artists in Community, 2019
Heritage Sites
Many of Richmond’s heritage sites and museums offer creative programming and events, including Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, London Farm, Richmond Museum, Steveston Museum and Post Office, and Steveston Tram.
Photo: Guided tours at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, 2025
Lulu Speaker Series
The Lulu Series is a free, annual three-part lecture series by leaders in the fields of public art, community engagement, architecture and city planning.
Photo: Tabla performance by Amarjeet Singh as part of the 2018 Lulu Series
Post-Secondary Education
Richmond's Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus offers programs in a range of disciplines from Creative Writing to Fashion Design.
Local Service Providers
Richmond is home to numerous cultural organizations including many that provide lessons in music, visual arts, dance and more. As well, there are several privately operated arts education centres providing high-quality programs for all ages.
