https://www.howartworks.ca/home daily 1.0 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604623144513-TK1OSEHNX9V7BMM4ADFL/ArtWorks_2.jpg Home How Art Works Cultural Impact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604623144930-M0ASA0Q83FQV0ECI219P/ArtWorks_3.jpg Home How Art Works - Cultural Empathy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604623144326-RV1UE4AX2UQWW0UBMDKE/ArtWorks_4.jpg Home How Art Works - Health and Wellness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604623144758-0K8WHR6XCP3TDBDTSTVE/ArtWorks_VioTestV2.jpg Home Art Improves Quality of Life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1605645391282-OEVGGGU6KBB0SO6T3B0T/AboutArtsServices.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1605645633190-KMGOW3DOYML6RJD49K1D/Find-Programs.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1605644344647-L4MMZVGRQ9LTPV32ROM8/WhatsHappening.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606325116433-7ZE7TSRV1UOZGYWN1TPB/Resources-for-Artists.png Home https://www.howartworks.ca/richmond-arts-services daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606178631999-ZCMNZH67HC0S9PIRTB6P/Classes-and-Workshops.png About Richmond Arts Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606160440517-G7CFJDFJ8NUZG30SSIO3/Residencies.png About Richmond Arts Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606160072943-NTHKG204URLOB8RTUBVR/exhibitions.png About Richmond Arts Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612808577123-P0WYW0K771MKJFFKWLBD/Festivals-and-Events.png About Richmond Arts Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/fe011b97-2603-4839-bc54-cae4f38c922a/How+Richmond+Supports+2024.jpg About Richmond Arts Services https://www.howartworks.ca/richmond-arts-strategy daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/f799fdfc-769c-498f-8e1b-b9fd5f603c93/Burkeville+Days+1+-+Bea+Martin.jpg https://www.howartworks.ca/why-the-arts daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604344543061-9GT7IM4I5CS6IEMEIXE3/Quality+of+Life.jpg Why the Arts? Making a Case for Creativity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604343287570-7UYA040A74UEDWT6P0I7/Health+and+Wellness.jpg Why the Arts? Making a Case for Creativity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604344695468-1FBO9C1GAGFVTZTLRKZS/Cultural+Empathy.jpg Why the Arts? Making a Case for Creativity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604344871726-XA7VQY5XQAMCNGQBR4CX/EconomicImpact.jpg Why the Arts? Making a Case for Creativity https://www.howartworks.ca/cultural-spaces daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612820122243-XCSQE7UEUE2734NYAXQV/Cultural-Map2.jpg Cultural Spaces https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609967136210-AF3B50HQ1TAQHSDRZ4GO/RichmondCulturalCentre.jpg Cultural Spaces - Richmond Cultural Centre and Annex Richmond Cultural Centre and Annex is located near Minoru Blvd, on the east side of Minoru Park. Home to the Richmond Public Library, City Archives, Richmond Museum, Richmond Art Gallery, Arts Programs and Media Lab, the Centre’s cultural amenities include a small black-box theatre, meeting rooms and a Rooftop Garden, used for small-scale outdoor events. The Kwantlen Farmers Market and community events take place at the Cultural Centre’s outdoor plaza and surrounding areas. An exterior mural that surrounds the entire building, Continuum by artists Richard Tetrault and Jerry Whitehead, was completed in 2019. 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond Rental Details Photo: Richmond Cultural Centre and plaza https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1608579942044-R6Q40GJVK734OV0155V5/Arts-Centre-Cultural-Spaces.jpg Cultural Spaces - 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. Studios for dance, digital arts, music, painting, ceramics, fibre and textile arts, performing arts and lapidary arts are home to high-quality artist-led registered programs for all ages each season. These facilities are also used by a number of community arts groups and are available to rent for rehearsals or personal artistic practice. 2nd Floor, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond Photo: Mixed media art classes in the Lapidary Studio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1605648480601-DJ345HKLPOC0Q8QEECQ7/MediaLab.jpg Cultural Spaces - Richmond Media Lab The Media Lab, located inside the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex, offers classes in media arts designed to increase technology literacy, accessibility and creativity in our community, particularly among youth and is home to the Richmond Youth Media Program. Main Floor, 7660 Minoru Gate, Richmond Photo: Youth Media Lab classes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1605647465404-Z5R22HXTBITMAHIGSW5D/RichmondArtGallery.jpg Cultural Spaces - Richmond Art Gallery For more than 40 years, Richmond Art Gallery has been presenting engaging and experimental work by local, national, and international artists through thought-provoking exhibitions, artist talks and special events. Programs for youth include gallery tours and art workshops for schools, youth mentorship programs and art intensives, as well as online art lessons. The gallery also hosts professional development sessions for artists, adult workshops and gallery tours for the public including tours in Mandarin. Main Floor, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond Photo: Pierre Vassura New Work 1983 – 2018 exhibition, Richmond Art Gallery, 2018 (photo by Michael Love) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612820374300-DV2Z5GNNYEJQUVUOTUX7/2-Half-Apples_2.jpg Cultural Spaces - Richmond Public Art The Richmond Public Art Program situates permanent and temporary artworks in the everyday environment around the city. With more than 300 artworks in the collection, Richmond’s growing inventory of works and engaging program offerings help create a vibrant, healthy and sustainable city. The Public Art Program offers stimulating educational and community engagement activities aimed at increasing public awareness of the arts and encouraging dialogue about art and areas of interest to Richmond residents. Map of public art locations Download public art walking tour maps Photo: 2 Half Apples by Gathie Falk, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1605646369023-4BE2IPJZQHP3FAKUO1O3/Gateway_Interior.jpg Cultural Spaces - Gateway Theatre Gateway Theatre is professional performance theatre and dynamic hub for the performing arts that includes a 522-seat main stage, 89-seat studio, a rehearsal room, along with administration and production spaces. The facility is managed and operated by the Richmond Gateway Theatre Society and owned and maintained by the City of Richmond. 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond Rental Details Photo: Gateway Theatre Mainstage https://www.howartworks.ca/contact daily 0.75 2026-01-23 https://www.howartworks.ca/whats-happening daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606166860563-YYVCCY059H5P8O5IKMYV/Calendar-of-Events.png What's Happening https://www.howartworks.ca/find-public-programs daily 0.75 2021-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606233212423-OM2UU5TQ1H5KPZQVSYMM/exhibitions-blank.png Find Public Programs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606178631999-ZCMNZH67HC0S9PIRTB6P/Classes-and-Workshops.png Find Public Programs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606234740777-RI1JRKXRI8YAYXFSH340/Residencies-blank.png Find Public Programs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612808755887-AETOKVIQM00RWAVRD2SY/Festivals-and-Events-blank.png Find Public Programs https://www.howartworks.ca/volunteer daily 0.75 2026-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612820655517-BPSGIHGAZE53QDH1C7S7/Volunteer-CultureDays.jpg Volunteer - Explore volunteer opportunities in Richmond The City of Richmond regularly posts short and long-term volunteer opportunities including those at cultural festivals, celebrations and heritage sites at icanhelp.richmond.ca. When you register, you can request to receive updates specific to your interests. Cultural facilities like the Richmond Art Gallery and Gateway Theatre have volunteer positions as well. Annual festivals and events also benefit from volunteer assistance, such as the Children’s Arts Festival and Culture Days. Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives also posts plenty of great local volunteer opportunities. The arts, especially not-for-profit organizations, benefit greatly from the passion and dedication that volunteers bring. It is essential that we support and nourish our volunteer sector, to ensure that the sector remains strong, sustainable and adaptable to the needs of our community. Photo: Selfie Station at Culture Days, 2019 https://www.howartworks.ca/grants-and-funding daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609958709265-4NJT6OWZZG985FFG38GU/Textiles-RichmondArtsCentre.jpg Grants and Funding - City of Richmond Arts and Culture Grant Program The City of Richmond provides financial support to registered non-profit arts organizations for programs and activities that enrich the cultural life of Richmond. The Arts and Culture Grant program supports a range of artistic and cultural activity, reflecting different cultural traditions as well as contemporary art forms and practices. The program is open to registered, non-profit arts organizations through two annual grant streams: Project Assistance and Operating Assistance. New applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines and criteria to confirm eligibility and contact Camyar Chaichian, Program Manager, Community Cultural Development, before applying. Project Assistance Project Assistance grants provide financial support to non-profit arts organizations for one-time or time-limited initiatives. Project funds may be requested for up to 50% of the total cost of the project, to a maximum of $5,000. Operating Assistance Operating Assistance grants support organizational capacity and operating activities to eligible non-profit arts organizations. Operating grants may be awarded for up to a maximum of 30% of an annual operating budget, to a maximum request of $10,000. Photo: Weaving loom in the Richmond Arts Centre’s Fabric Arts Studio https://www.howartworks.ca/professional-development daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609798208406-G4EZY8QFDQZ2RTNHVYI6/Art-At-Work-online.jpg Professional Development - Art at Work: Professional Development Workshop Series Art at Work is a series of professional development workshops designed for professional artists and arts organizations practicing in any artistic medium. The program is presented in partnership by the City of Richmond Arts Services and Richmond Art Gallery. The program is intended to provide artists and arts organizations with knowledge and skills relevant to pursuing a professional practice in the field of public art, performance, visual art and community arts. Art at Work offers workshops from February through October each year. Many workshops are recorded and available online; to view the archive, click here. Photo: Perpetual Sunset by Jinhan Ko & Kelly Lycan, 2012 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606326399204-PJM9PYSLBH336TNXBSH5/Artist+Salon.jpg Professional Development - Artist Salon Series Richmond Art Gallery’s Artist Salon is an opportunity for emerging and established artists to meet other artists, learn from other arts professionals, share or create work and discuss upcoming opportunities in the arts community. Discussion topics change monthly and often include presentations by artists on their professional practice. To view previous sessions, click here. Richmond Art Gallery hosts a variety of artist talks, workshops, programs and tours. Check out the Gallery’s online programming, RAG@Home, featuring digital content that connect you to the stories behind its exhibitions. Photo: Screenshot of virtual Artist Salon: Curators' Panel Discussion, 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606328344000-MZ4OUCR2K91MSJZRR8IM/Resident-Art-Groups.JPG Professional Development - Resident Art Groups Looking to meet like-minded people and hone your craft? Join one of the Resident Art Groups at the Richmond Cultural Centre. Groups meet regularly for studio time and new members are always welcome to join. Photo: Richmond Potters Club https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606329034501-NU4D9IB7AVQTFR7U7WCC/Lulu-Series_Pro-D.jpg Professional Development - The Lulu Series: Art in the City The Lulu Series is a free, annual three-part lecture guest speaker series by leaders in the fields of public art, community engagement, architecture and city planning that explores how the arts work in cities. https://www.howartworks.ca/present-your-work daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609871291458-Z4ZZ4VRTF2EGY7RYVV6C/Upper-Rotunda+Gallery.jpg Present Your Work in Richmond - Community Art Exhibition Space The City of Richmond provides a number of opportunities for local artists to exhibit their work in public facilities. Application dates and submission processes vary widely between community art exhibition spaces. Visit the following pages for more information: Upper Rotunda Gallery features rotating exhibitions in the Cultural Centre. The space is curated by Richmond Art Gallery, in partnership with Richmond Arts Centre. City Hall Galleria displays artworks by local artists at in the main hall of Richmond City Hall. Exhibitions are curated by the Richmond Art Gallery and rotate every 6 to 8 weeks. City Centre Community Centre, South Arm Community Centre and Thompson Community Centre have community exhibition spaces that feature work by local artists. Exhibition applications are accepted ongoingly throughout the year, with a wide artist call circulated each summer. Gateway Theatre also has two dedicated community art spaces in their lobbies. Artists interested in applying, can reach out directly via email for further details. Photo: Upper Rotunda Gallery in the Richmond Cultural Centre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609871529423-IXBJ9DOH87LFQYZ77APZ/Pianos-on-the-Streets.jpg Present Your Work in Richmond - Richmond Public Art Program Richmond Public Art Program provides opportunities for local artists to create work to be presented in public spaces around the city. Public Art maintains two artist rosters which includes a list of pre-screened and -selected artists for the Community Mural Program and Urban Infrastructure Art Program. The rosters are updated every 2-3 years and artists are added to the list through an application process. Subscribe to the Public Art email list and the Arts and Culture eBlast to learn about these opportunities as they arise. Public Art often issues artist calls for public art projects and individual commissions. Artist calls vary wildly and include opportunities to display artwork on the No. 3 Road Art Columns (six artists per year), Artists Engaging Community program, and commissions to create all manner of artworks and structures for public spaces. Subscribe to the Public Art email list and the Arts and Culture eBlast to receive updates. New to Public Art? Download the Public Art Toolkit for advice and keep an eye out for a How to Apply for Public Art workshop through the Art at Work program. Photo: Pianos on the Street by Catherine Adamson and Richmond Art Gallery Youth Collective, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609871676952-4M2UXSWSIUDK43P5ETZX/Banner-PresentingWork.jpg Present Your Work in Richmond - Street Banner Program The City of Richmond Street Banner program is a civic beautification initiative that strives to engage community members to submit creative and visually appealing designs taken from around Richmond. Banner designs are selected through an annual contest that is open to all members of the community. Entries received in the banner contest celebrate the places, activities and experiences that make Richmond so beautiful and unique. Photo: Richmond Street Banners with image by artist Glen Andersen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609872378821-N3ZC6K98IZLBX8WOJW8Z/Culture-Days-PresentWork.jpg Present Your Work in Richmond - Participate in Richmond Culture Days Richmond Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Each September and October, artists are invited to host artmaking workshops, events and creative activities. Culture Days is a great opportunity for local artists to connect with the community, share their talents and promote their creative practice to a wider audience. The City of Richmond supports artist-led activities through the creation of a robust promotional and marketing campaign. Photo: Richmond Youth Media Lab’s Pop Up Radio Station https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612821026904-LDWQB46F5MVFL010GEUZ/ChangingPlate-RhondaWeppler.jpg Present Your Work in Richmond - Artist and Writer Residencies Richmond provides opportunities for artists and writers to work in residence for extended periods of time. The Branscombe House Artist Residency is an 11-month live-in artist residency program in a historic home in Steveston. Artists are selected through an annual artist call for this community-engaged program that provides an opportunity for an artist to live rent-free for one year and create free workshops, exhibitions and projects with the community. Richmond’s annual Writer-in-Residence provides professional writers the opportunity to present writing workshops, programs and events for the local community. The two-month residency is presented in partnership by the City of Richmond and Richmond Public Library. Richmond Public Art's Engaging Artists in Community Program invites artists or artist teams to create public programs in a variety of locations across the city. Photo: Changing Plate by Rhonda Weppler, Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence, 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609955138319-PAQZ65CG9K7IMG9MNXVL/image.jpg Present Your Work in Richmond - Add your name to the Richmond Artists Directory Richmond-based artists are invited to their names to the Richmond Artists Directory. This secure and private database helps City of Richmond Arts Services staff contact artists for future events and programs. Photo: Gilded Cage & Sturgeon Banksii, Utility Box Wrap by Jennifer Heine, 2020 https://www.howartworks.ca/event-planning daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612821214322-Z1BMK9JJ4F2X0WSS9VT5/MaritimeFestival-Reimagined.jpg Event Planning - Arts, Culture and Heritage Sites The following City-owned and/or operated facilities offer space to rent for private and public events: Branscombe House Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Cultural Centre Gateway Theatre London Heritage Farm Theatre Under the Stairs Outdoor Spaces There are also affordable multipurpose spaces available in Richmond's recreation facilities and other venues located in neighbourhoods across the city. The City also has lots of outdoor event venues that can be booked for events, including: Festival and event locations in parks Piers and waterfront areas Picnic sites Photo: Richmond Maritime Festival Re-Imagined at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site https://www.howartworks.ca/newsletters daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://www.howartworks.ca/residencies daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/527c6ced-dc1a-4cd7-be62-9ef3dce006b4/Introduction+to+Bioplastics+workshop.jpeg Artist and Writer Residencies - Branscombe House Artist Residency Each year, a new artist is invited to live rent-free in Steveston’s historic Branscombe House in exchange for providing accessible arts activities for the community. Through this program, the public is invited to participate in free community-engaged programs, presentations and hands-on workshops that reference the artist-in-residence’s practice and interests. Photo: Bio-plastics workshop led by Michelle-Marie Letelier in association with the Blue Cabin, 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606228620476-FJDW5XMY93LZ7RCVIAGA/Engaging-Artists.jpg Artist and Writer Residencies - Engaging Artists in Community Program Public Art's Engaging Artists in Community Program supports artists with socially-oriented art practices who wish to work collaboratively within communities in Richmond. This program celebrates culturally-diverse and multi-generational audiences and aims to foster cross-cultural exchange, inclusive community-building and education on relevant topics to communities. Photo: Installation of Great Blue Heron by Bryn Finer and Donald Gunn, McLean Park, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/ef1cda38-c696-4c1b-b682-bee83f361787/WIR_May31_2025_High+Res-17.jpg Artist and Writer Residencies - Richmond’s Writer-in-Residence Program Richmond’s Writer-in-Residence Program delivers hands-on programming for local emerging and aspiring writers. The annual residency position runs from April through June each year and is a partnership between the City of Richmond and Richmond Public Library. Photo: A panel discussion featuring Taslim Jaffer, Richmond’s 2025 Writer-in-Residence, and guest panelists Kevin Chong, Kelly Duran and Shashi Bhat. https://www.howartworks.ca/classes-and-workshops daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/7e83464a-257c-4161-9a2a-08f66b70ea86/KidsCeramics-5.jpg Classes and Workshops - Arts Programs and Media Lab Arts Programs at the Richmond Cultural Centre provide high-quality arts education for all ages taught by professional artists in a studio setting. Meanwhile, the Media Lab offers youth-focused programs designed to increase technology literacy and creativity through media arts. The Cultural Centre is also home to Resident Art Groups offering workshops and classes in pottery, textiles, lapidary, photography, calligraphy, painting and dance for adults and seniors. In partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and School District 38, the City provides after-school arts education programs to a number of elementary schools through the Art Truck program. Photo: Arts Programs at the Richmond Cultural Centre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606244870169-KF14N97BQUC9347NBWU4/Elementary2016.jpg Classes and Workshops - Richmond Art Gallery Richmond Art Gallery offers programs for all ages interested in the visual arts, as well as special programs, school tours and virtual programs. The Art Gallery also hosts unique workshops, networking opportunities, talks and tours that connect to gallery exhibitions. Photo: Richmond Art Gallery School Art Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606499470228-8Q9DNA7IXN72HZL476ZU/Gateway-Academy-photos-2.jpg Classes and Workshops - 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1604950448015-0WD0J54I4G4B1Z3HCNTZ/PRESCHOOL%2BMAIN%2BIMAGE.JPG Classes and Workshops - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606246373979-4XSYNP2HRJJUF9X89EZZ/RPL-Classes.jpg Classes and Workshops 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606246226312-VKP7SQSJV3E3UTAJZHKM/Britannia-Classes.jpg Classes and Workshops Heritage Sites Many of Richmond’s heritage sites and museums offer creative workshops and programming, including Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, London Farm, Richmond Museum, Steveston Museum and Post Office, and Steveston Tram. Photo: Demonstration at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606246496464-ISRZNWFJUT1ZRK1364EY/LuluSeries.jpg Classes and Workshops 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 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606234740777-RI1JRKXRI8YAYXFSH340/Residencies-blank.png Classes and Workshops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606233212423-OM2UU5TQ1H5KPZQVSYMM/exhibitions-blank.png Classes and Workshops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606233279898-NDRXR2X01SACIMWEKH0Z/Festivals-and-Events-blank.png Classes and Workshops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606243695195-HUI39IYY92NLUGRAWE6L/Professional-Development.png Classes and Workshops https://www.howartworks.ca/festivals-and-events daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606179060237-YFFS3K967JGF0PEE41IB/2019-Richmond-Childrens-Festival.jpg Festivals and Events - Children’s Arts Festival Children’s Arts Festival ignites the imaginations of children and families through music, hands-on activities, literary and performing arts each February with a week of school field trips and a large-scale public event held on Family Day. The festival takes place in the heart of City Centre at the Richmond Cultural Centre and the interactive workshops, activities and events — all presented by professional artists — are tailored for young people ages 3 to 12. Watch video Photo: Ginalina performing at the Children’s Arts Festival (photo by Jon Pesochin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1609967381221-SY0VU2T1ULQF1FOM4EDK/Cultural-Centre.jpg Festivals and Events - Culture Days Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Held annually during September and October, millions of people across the country attend thousands of free participatory arts and culture events both in-person and online. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Richmond is a Culture Days leader (regularly ranked nationally as a top participating community), organizing numerous artist-led workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and creative activities across the city each year. Photo: Dancers at the opening of Culture Days 2019 (photo by Jon Pesochin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/350be9db-309f-4d4b-802e-fc47dd026504/CityofRIchmond-ArtsAwards_2025-98.jpg Festivals and Events - Richmond Arts Awards Richmond Arts Awards recognize the artistic achievements and contributions of individuals, organizations and businesses to the local arts and culture community. Each year, awards are presented to the well-established and rising stars of Richmond’s arts landscape in six categories: Business and the Arts, Volunteerism, Cultural Leadership, Artistic Innovation and Excellence, Arts Education and Youth Arts. The Richmond Arts Awards are presented through a partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition and sponsored by the Richmond News. Photo: Isidora Hoi-Ching Chan, 2025 recipient of the Youth Arts Award https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606181016715-WSUZK683PRZTW8X46TPF/Maritime-Festival.jpg Festivals and Events - Richmond Maritime Festival Richmond Maritime Festival is an annual celebration of all things nautical that brings Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site to life with musical performances, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and storytelling and much more. Watch video Photo: Richmond Maritime Festival favourite, Lulu the Mermaid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1613076243689-XCE5B5E9Y2TFKQEVCQMK/Doors_Open_Richmond.jpg Festivals and Events - Doors Open Richmond Doors Open Richmond is a wildly popular event that invites people to explore heritage sites, buildings and spaces of cultural importance. The annual event is presented by the Richmond Museum and offers activities and hands-on programming in unique locations across Richmond. Photo: Doors Open event at India Cultural Centre, 2019 (photo: Fabian Dominguez) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606181613727-YELTIEWTH6DNB4DBDMXR/Richmond-Pride.jpg Festivals and Events - Pride Week Pride Week is a celebration of members of the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities in our city. Beginning the last Monday of July, Pride Week features inclusive events and interactive activities with local artists, performers and community members. Events are presented by the City of Richmond in partnership with community associations, societies and the Richmond Public Library. Photo: Drag Queen Storytime, at Paige Gratland’s Branscombe House residency event, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606182477330-5GGHXECD7JM153K9SN50/Richmond_HarvestMoon-Festival-1.jpg Festivals and Events - Harvest Moon Festival The Harvest Full Moon project is a series of workshops, community celebration and lantern procession produced through a collaboration between City Centre Community Centre and local artist, Marina Szijarto. Watch video Photo: Harvest Moon Festival (photo by Sarah Race) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606183010231-66L00QN5B47JJ2KEDR6K/National-Indigenous-Day.jpg Festivals and Events - National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and June is National Indigenous History Month. There are a variety of in-person and virtual events and activities taking place in Richmond to recognize the heritage and strength of Indigenous Peoples. Photo: Welcoming the Sun event at Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1613076354390-GAW25BKJHUGRS8286PZW/Salmon-Festival.jpg Festivals and Events - Steveston Salmon Festival Since 1945, the Steveston Salmon Festival has been Richmond’s marquee Canada Day celebration. Evolving over the decades, the festival is renowned for its food offerings, featuring a traditional salmon bake and chow mein tent, along with many more options; a community parade; cultural demonstrations and performances; and hands-on activities for the whole family, capped off with a fireworks display. Photo caption: Taiko Drums at Steveston Salmon Festival, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1613076454535-QLAFXB5AZ7QUSSHY8EW0/Steveston_Winter.jpg Festivals and Events - Winter in the Village Winter in the Village is a collection of fun and festive programs, events, and activities taking place in Steveston Village through the month of December. Steveston is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, decorated windows, and beautifully lit historic sites. A festival of trees, holiday window contest, Santa’s arrival by boat, and outdoor live music round out the long list of activities everyone in the family can enjoy. Photo: Performers at Songs in the Snow, part of Winter in the Village https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1608579294055-2OYGW5F9XIXWH4WJ57WW/CherryBlossomFestival.jpg Festivals and Events - Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is set amongst 255 Akebono cherry blossom trees at Garry Point Park and features a day of music, dance performances, food and cultural activities traditionally celebrated in Japan. Photo: Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival, 2018 https://www.howartworks.ca/exhibitions daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606251231907-6WOLEWFN2H5OYOUS89N4/RichmondArtGallery-Exhibitions.jpg Exhibitions - Richmond Art Gallery Richmond Art Gallery is the City’s only public, municipal gallery and is dedicated to presenting visual art exhibitions by local, national and international artists. Founded in 1980, the Gallery is supported by the Richmond Art Gallery Association, a non-profit organization. It is dedicated to promoting dialogue among diverse communities and presenting exhibitions that address challenging ideas and contemporary issues. The Art Gallery also produces exciting programs, events, education initiations and publications, while maintaining a permanent collection. The Art Gallery’s main exhibition space is located in the Richmond Cultural Centre and has 3500 square feet of exhibition space and 218 running feet of wall space. It also curates community art exhibitions at the City Hall Galleria which rotates artworks by local artists at Richmond City Hall every 6 to 8 weeks. Current Exhibitions Upcoming Exhibitions Permanent Collections News Releases Upcoming Events City Hall Galleria Tours and Group Visits RAG @ Home Top photo: The lights constellating one’s internal sky by Richard Ibghy and Marilou Lemmons, 2012 Bottom photo: In Suspended Silence by Xiaojing Yan, 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606252749802-HPL4IBYD2X4BKPX6FRQ4/Community-Art-Exhibitions.jpg Exhibitions - Community Art Exhibitions The work of local artists can be discovered in many public spaces around the city. City Hall Galleria is located in the main lobby of Richmond City Hall and is maintained by the Richmond Art Gallery. Upper Rotunda Gallery is located along the second floor mezzanine of the Richmond Cultural Centre. It is maintained by the Arts Centre in partnership with the Richmond Art Gallery and features rotating exhibitions of local artists and artisans. The space includes a display case for the exhibition of three-dimensional works, too. City Centre Community Centre exhibits artwork in the lower and upper hallways. Applications are accepted year-round with a general artist call each summer. South Arm Community Centre offers art displays along a 15-foot hallway and accepts submissions from artists year-round. Thompson Community Centre has two opportunities to view art exhibitions: the River Walk community art installation and monthly displays in the lobby. Gateway Theatre has exhibition spaces in the lobby and on the second floor. No. 3 Road Art Columns are circular backlit display cases located at Aberdeen and Lansdowne Canada Line Stations. The columns are curated by the Richmond Public Art program and are designed to showcase 2D visual art. Richmond’s Street Banner Program is a civic beautification initiative that invites community members to submit visual designs to be printed onto banners that adorn light posts across the city. Top photo: Exhibition by Nikhat Qureshi, Upper Rotunda Gallery, Richmond Cultural Centre Bottom photo: Wild, Jeni Chen, No. 3 Road Art Column, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606251698975-VE3TA11OEPIP2D5LH9M5/Public-Art-Exhibition-Long.jpg Exhibitions - Richmond Public Art Program The Richmond Public Art program turns the city into a living exhibition by situating permanent, temporary and ephemeral artwork into our everyday landscape. With more than 200 public artworks by local, Canadian and international artists in the collection, there is lots to discover. Search the Public Art Registry to browse the collection by title, artist or neighbourhood. Plan your public art walking or bike tour online, download a Public Art Brochure or use Tourism Richmond's Public Art Trail Interactive Map to explore a new area or rediscover your own neighbourhood. Before you head out, be sure check out what’s new and learn about upcoming programs, tours and announcements. Artists interested in responding to public art calls are encouraged to download the guide for tips on how to apply and to contact us to get on the Public Art email list to receive artist calls as they are announced. Richmond’s Public Art Plans are designed to help City staff, private developers and communities identify potential collaborations and thematic links that could be made between areas of the city and projects that span property and neighbourhood boundaries. Top photo: Lets Roll, Charlotte Wall & Marie Khouri, 2019 Bottom photo: Together, David Jacob Harder, 2019 https://www.howartworks.ca/creative-industries daily 0.75 2025-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1610056174705-11H70MXC9OLSQ02YKSNI/RWF-DigitalCarnival-15.jpg Creative Industries - What is the Creative Industry? UNESCO defines that creative industry as organized activities whose main objective is the production or reproduction, promotion, distribution and commercialization of goods, services and activities that come from cultural, artistic and heritage origins. These activities include a variety of creative practices, trades and areas of expertise, but could include practices such as performance, visual arts, crafts, publishing, design, film, interactive media and more. The definition of the creative industry is not only the practice of making and producing creative assets, but also includes the distribution of creative and cultural products in the marketplace. The creative ecomony connects ecomomic, social and cultural development to technology, creativity, tourism, innovation and intellectual property rights. The arts, culture and heritage sector play an important role in the economic sustainability and growth of a city, along with the well-being of its community members. Canada Council for the Arts reports that the total GDP in 2018 in Canada’s cultural sector was $56.1 billion in 2018, with $7.6 originating in British Columbia. The cultural sector is also a significant employer, providing over 655,000 Canadians with paid employment in 2018 (102,000 in British Columbians). Photo: Cinevolution’s Digital Carnival at Richmond World Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1610047533123-6DZ8BOCR66CWUDHA4G62/CityofRichmond-Sept28-157.jpg Creative Industries - What makes Richmond’s creative industry unique Many creative industries choose Richmond as the home for their creative business because of our low corporate income tax, labour force, facilities and strategic location on Canada’s west coast. Our mix of industrial, urban, rural and heritage spaces, along with its ideal location close to transportation routes and major export centres is convenient for business development. With the rise of the experience economy, live events, performances and celebrations are growing in popularity and creative activities are highly sought-after activities by both locals and tourists, year-round. As a result, Richmond’s hotels, restaurants and local businesses also benefit. People also travel from all over to experience Richmond’s world-class culinary scene, which the New York Times calls “The Best Asian Food in North America.” Photo: Richmond Artists Guild demonstration at Richmond Culture Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1612823992885-AK5TQTZZBKQCTDLO7TAS/StevestonFilming_BMaclean108-MASTERFILE.jpg Creative Industries - Our Creative Industry at Work: Filming in Richmond The film industry is booming in Richmond and employs hundreds of local residents while supporting businesses and creating new economic opportunities. Richmond’s film sector is part of one of the top three international full-service film production centres in North America. Our facilities and workforce can support all aspects of the largest movie productions from set construction and casting through to post-production and visual effects. Richmond’s mixed-use industrial zones make it ideal for large-scale film studio production, while its mix of urban, parkland and heritage sites make it a unique base for location-based filming. The City of Richmond’s Film Office can assist with applications, sourcing locations and making contacts in the community and our Economic Development Office also has plenty of helpful online resources and industry links. Photo: Filming in Steveston Village (photo by Brechin Maclean) https://www.howartworks.ca/find-resources daily 0.75 2025-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606243695195-HUI39IYY92NLUGRAWE6L/Professional-Development.png Find Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606242241359-4ZYKO688K6KSJSFQMWPH/Funding-and-Grants.png Find Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606242376299-DCZIFE4DJOASHJECPN9R/Present-Your-Work.png Find Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1606242137526-FX470TZTX2F33236KAFP/Event-Planning.png Find Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1610750702820-X9WZPJTOKL0H93V8Q39Q/Business-Resources.png Find Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations https://www.howartworks.ca/terms-and-privacy-policy daily 0.75 2020-11-27 https://www.howartworks.ca/business-resources daily 0.75 2025-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f98ee45cb8feb45c5fb474f/1610749680267-NJAT6XQELO80L700NGM0/Brittania-Heritage-Christmas-Craft-Fair.jpg Business Resources - Richmond’s Economic Development Office The City of Richmond’s Economic Development Office helps facilitate the growth and development of businesses in Richmond. They can help local artists, artisans, makers and creative innovators in the following ways: Identifying a Richmond location for your business Expanding or relocating your business within Richmond Sourcing economic, property, demographic or other statistical information for your business plan Serving as a liaison between your business and City departments and other government agencies Facilitating municipal permits, licenses, and processes Connecting you with local and regional business services and resources Photo: Heritage Christmas Craft Fair at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site