Art Vancouver Art Fair

Art Vancouver is a contemporary art fair featuring international artwork, panelists, classes and more at the Vancouver Convention Centre in the spring each year.

Art Vancouver fair takes place from May 4th to 7th in 2023. If you like art, you’ll love this event! It’s impressive! Not only can you admire the art, but you can also buy it!

(Note: To see which Lower Mainland artists are the creators of the above 10 beautiful pieces, continue reading. All of them participated in the 2022 event. In addition to these and other Canadian artists, there are also artists from all over the world.)

For tickets and the event’s official website, click Art Vancouver.

Art Vancouver

International Art Exhibition at Art Vancouver Fair in 2023

Art Vancouver is one of the largest and most prestigious international art fairs in Western Canada. The event provides a global stage for art galleries and artists to showcase and sell their pieces to thousands of people. Not only is the fair an exceptional place to check out different styles of artwork, but there are also guest speakers, panelists and live demonstrations to enjoy.

At the fair last year an Opus Art Masters painting competition took place in front of guests. This was when 8 different artists used a mystery box of supplies to paint something extraordinary within 1 hour. Spectators got to vote for the piece that they liked the most. Another activity offered at Art Vancouver last year were Opus Art Classes. The instructional workshops happened onsite during the show and included admission for one day. 2023 details will likely be the same, but with exact details to be confirmed.

Art Vancouver is organized by the Vancouver Visual Art Foundation which is also responsible for the free Art Downtown Summer Program in Vancouver.

2019 was the last year that Art Vancouver took place prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. That year over 10,000 people attended the event. As many or more were expected in 2022. It’s a popular event that art lovers from across the world travel to see.

Vancouver Convention Centre at Art Vancouver

When and Where

In 2023, Art Vancouver runs from Thursday, May 4th, until Sunday, May 7th. The second day of the event is also Cinco de Mayo.

The Thursday is when the VIP Preview, Opening Night Red Carpet Event, and Face of Art Runway Show happen. It’s also the day that alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

The rest of the art show is open to the public for three more days, from the Friday to the Sunday. Hours on the Friday are from 1:00 to 9:00 pm and hours on the Saturday are from 12:00 to 9:00 pm. The show concludes on Sunday. On that day it runs from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Art Vancouver is held in the West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre. It’s the big modern building at 1055 Canada Place between Canada Place and Jack Poole Plaza.

The venue offers parking but is also transit friendly as it’s close to the Waterfront SkyTrain Station. The beautiful location also offers paths for walking and cycling right along the waterfront. The Coal Harbour Seawall connects to Stanley Park and makes for a wonderful way to take in the views that Vancouver has to offer.

Three Paintings at Art Vancouver

The above art is by Lisa Wolfin (West Vancouver), Chantelle Trainor-Matties (Abbotsford) and Kathy Swift (Tsawwassen).

Admission

Tickets to attend the Art Vancouver fair in 2023 are available both online and at the venue. Including taxes and online fees, general admission for one day last year cost $20 for everyone ages 13 and above. Children ages 12 and under get in for free. In 2023, early-bird tickets are available for just $12 up until January 6th.

Multi-Day passes are also available for those who want to visit the fair on all three days. The passes cost about $45 including taxes and online fees last year. In 2023, early-bird multi-day passes are available until January 6th for just $30 (plus taxes).

Tickets for the special Opening Night Premiere Party cost about $40 last year. The event features a preview of all the art, a DJ and a Face of Art Runway Show. It’s a great event! Early-bird tickets in 2023 start at just $25.

For ambitious folks who want to experience all that Art Vancouver has to offer in 2023, VIP Passes include access to early previews, opening night activities and all regular show days. Last year they cost about $112. In 2023 early-bird VIP Passes cost just $70 up until January 6th.

For tickets and the event’s official website, click Art Vancouver.

Exhibitors at Art Vancouver

Art Vancouver is not exclusively for paintings or drawings. Instead, it’s a contemporary art fair showcasing different forms of art including photography, sculptures and more. Most of what you’ll see is paintings, but there is a lot more too.

Art Vancouver typically features over 100 exhibitors. Some are from Canada, but many are from other parts of the world. In fact, artworks from over 15 countries were featured at last year’s art fair. There were artists from Spain, Japan, Nigeria and Ireland to name a few. Artists from Iran, Argentina and from all over the United States were also at the event.

TIP: Be sure to chat with the artists. They are more than happy to tell you about their art. You’ll learn some pretty interesting and amazing things from them! So many pieces of art have a story!

To see the full list of artists featured at the event click 2022 Art Vancouver Exhibitors.