Vancouver is getting a brand new free photography festival this spring

Vancouver is a city with a thriving arts scene, and it just got a little bit bigger thanks to a new and free photography festival coming to town this spring. 

Hosted at Gallery 881 in East Vancouver, Another Room is a month-long festival from April 1 to April 30 that platforms all kinds of photographic practices. 

More than 100 local artists will have their works featured throughout the festival, plus there will also be exhibitions, talks, workshops, youth programming, and community events. It’s a whole new look at photography as a whole, and it’s just in time for spring outings! 

What to expect 

Emma Kern, Once Was (Gallery 881)

Inspired by the Salon des Refusés, Another Room runs parallel to the theme of considering, appreciating, and respecting different art forms. 

Creating additional spaces for voices and styles to be encountered on their own terms, you can expect to see a truly wide range of photographic approaches.

Everything is equally unique, and there is no overarching theme for Another Room; it welcomes everything and anything photography-related. We’re talking documentary, conceptual work, archival, staged, and even experimental works from emerging, mid-career, and established artists. 

Events, workshops, panels, and talks 

A work by Barbara Strigel on display (Gallery 881)

Going beyond the gallery wall, there will be lots of exciting events to join. Highlights include the Why I Create panel talk on Saturday, April 18, that discusses the importance of personal work, and the Make Better Prints workshop, a half-day intensive where the pros will help you transform digital files into tangible art prints. 

Don’t forget the opening Another Room Photo Festival opening reception! This inaugural celebration brings together artists, community members, and supporters for a night of vibrant fun. That means music, charcuterie, and cheese catering by Savoury Chef.

Offering an open and alternative festival model alongside establishing programming, Another Room is set to be a thrilling cultural experience. Come down to Gallery 881 to check out Another Room all-month long. 

Another Room Photo Festival

When: Wednesday, April 1 to Thursday, April 30
Where: Gallery 881 — 881 E Hastings Street
Cost: Free, with select ticketed events