So-called Vancouver is known among many things, for its active arts and music scene — from indie music shows to locally organized gallery shows. However, there exists a gap in the arts scene of so-called Vancouver, one that Lucid Arts Club is helping to fill. Created in Spring 2021, Lucid Arts Club is a youth run art collective committed to, “celebrating the nuance and multiplicity of Queer existance by creating accessible events and media for QTBIPOC artists in so-called Vancouver and beyond.”
In a world where capitalism forces us to do almost everything for profit — turning our passions, our stories, ourselves, into a commodity in order to survive, art as resistance and reclamation is powerful. Although there are still many that are skeptical when it comes to art having an important role in social justice work, many do see it as significant in activism. Many also think of it as being a healing part of reclaiming one’s own cultural and ancestral ways. But what exactly does this mean?
Currently at the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) and Chinatown, A Seat at the Table is part of an inaugural temporary project in collaboration with the Chinese Canadian Museum. Which explores the stories and perspectives of Chinese Canadians in so-called B.C, through both a contemporary and historical lens. The exhibit focuses on the challenges and struggles of belonging experienced by Chinese Canadians as well as the importance of food on a cultural and community level.
When one thinks of so-called Vancouver and fashion, aside from Vancouver Fashion week, you probably don’t think of there being much else when it comes to fashion, yet to your surprise, or maybe not, February 2022 brought with it the fourth annual AFAM African Fashion Week.
Feral Witch of the Woods
As you emerge into the day, you still feel the moon as they watch you from above the trees. The radiance of the sun can not tear you two apart. Gathering the plants needed for this afternoon’s potion making, you feel the restless power alive throughout the forest, echoing within you.
You may have heard of the concept and practice of manifestation a lot lately. Maybe you’ve been seeing it on TikTok, heard about it through your friends or have been delving into spirituality and witchcraft yourself. However you’ve heard about manifestation, it’s no joke. It works, and can be a powerful tool to bring your dreams to life. No more “someday,” the time is now. Manifesting with vision boards makes it that much more accessible and potent.
Reclaiming Valentine’s day isn’t as cheesy as it sounds Emma Mendez (she/her/they/them) // Culture EditorSharleen Ramos // Illustrator Capitalism, the patriarchy, & hetero-cisnormativity have defined love for us as only…
Mauvey (he/him) is an alternative musical artist who blends various genres into creative, authentic expressions of love. His latest project, a mixtape titled The Florist, was released in late 2021, accompanied by a short film. Born in Ghana, but raised in the UK and so-called Vancouver, Mauvey continues to push the boundaries of the local and international music scene all while spreading love.
My beloved Winter Solstice,
I hold such a soft spot in my heart for you. I used to see you as just words on a calendar, unaware of all you had to offer. Now I think back to the first time I honoured you and I’m overflowing with love and gratitude. You gave me the opportunity to hold space for myself when I felt so alone in my grief. You also remind me of the blessings of rest and receiving.