Winter Arts Festival “Through The Glass” Comes to Gastown in February 2025
Blessings and Prayer by Olivia George, an AR Installation in Le Magasin Alley.
Gastown’s streets will be illuminated by the arts with VMF (the organization behind Vancouver Mural Festival) and Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) announcing the historic district will be the new home of the Winter Arts Festival, beginning this February 13-16.
The festival's theme, Through the Glass, will transform Gastown’s windows and walls into reflections of stories and perspectives by local and international artists. Visitors will journey through an open-air gallery of immersive art installations, glowing light displays, projection mapping, and live pop-up performances. After-dark parties, guided tours and an interactive map will enhance the experience.
“As one of Vancouver’s leading organizations for the arts, we’re excited to bring our annual festival to one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and a hub of arts and culture,” said Miriam Esquitín, Executive Director at Vancouver Mural Festival. “Committed to our mission of creating meaningful experiences that connect people through art, we’re excited to transform Gastown’s windows and alleys into canvases for storytelling, merging art, culture and history to create an incredibly inspiring winter experience.”
A glimpse into the nightlife visitors can expect from VMF’s After Dark programming.
The partnership between VMF and GBIS celebrates local artists, enriches Gastown’s cultural landscape, and supports economic revitalization by attracting visitors during a normally slower period.
“Gastown is known for creative quirks and artistic grit, and this partnership solidifies our commitment to prioritize the arts,” said Elise Yurkowski, Director of Marketing at GBIS. “Welcoming the Winter Arts Festival into the neighbourhood continues to build our reputation as a hub for creatives. We’re excited for locals and visitors to experience the public Gastown gallery.”
“Go Fish” - A video tryptic by Nettie Wild and Scott Smith, presented at WAF 2024
The Winter Arts Festival is made possible with the support of LaSalle College Vancouver, Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, and many more, whose contributions show their dedication to bring high-calibre, engaging public art to life.
Further announcements revealing participating artists, pop-up events and festival details will be announced in January 2025. For more information and a list of upcoming events, visit gastown.org and winterartsfest.com
“Green Gazing” - an interactive presentation by Lesley Masrhall & Ashley Bowa, presented at WAF 2024
About Gastown Business Improvement Association:
The Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS), also known as the Gastown BIA, is a non-profit association created in 1989 as an organization to represent business owners and commercial property owners, to work together to promote and enhance Gastown. The organization supports assets of the neighbourhood, advocates to improve conditions for businesses operating in the area and improve the quality of life for those who work in and visit the area (BIA – Business Improvement Area). The GBIS is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of both property and business owners from within the area who represent a broad range of members and community stakeholders. For more information, visit gastown.org.
About VMF
Formed in 2016 with a vision to transform the way art is experienced in Vancouver, VMF has evolved from a grassroots street festival into a world-class, multi-media art consultancy and production agency. VMF produces the annual Vancouver Mural Festival, as well as the Winter Arts Festival. Between these flagship festivals and throughout the year, we collaborate with clients and community groups on public and private arts-driven projects through VMF Agency. To date, VMF has created over 430 murals and continues to reimagine public art and events in our city.
Building on VMF’s legacy, Winter Arts Festival merges art, light, and winter magic to connect people through shared experiences. The festival transforms spaces into a cultural journey, blending its unique historic charm with artistic innovation.
Media Contact:
Fiona Samson // Head of Marketing: fiona@vanmuralfest.com
Miriam Esquitin // Executive Director: miriam@vanmuralfest.com
