Chapter 1 / Sharing Stories

The Polygon Gallery

Interview: Asia Harvey and Faye Bednarczyk
Words: Courtney Chew 
Cover Image: By Chester Fields artist Talia Facey 
Other Images: Via The Polygon Gallery

We are extremely excited to be partnering with The Polygon Gallery – one of our favourite cultural sites and galleries in our home city, the beautiful, traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

From August 13-14, 2022 we are taking over their space for our latest experiential event, "Arcanum" – a special collaboration with our friends at o healing and a weekend for our communities to come together. 

The Polygon Gallery is a vibrant art institution that inspires and provokes cultural insight through adventurous programming. Operating as Presentation House Gallery for forty years, The Gallery has produced over 300 exhibitions and numerous publications, earning a reputation as an adventurous public art institution. Their expansive programming has featured acclaimed Vancouver photographers, world‐renowned as well as emerging artists, and innovative exhibitions of historic and vernacular photography.

We are especially inspired by their youth art initiatives and programs that they run, including Chester Fields – an initiative of The Polygon Gallery that encourages the development of visionary young photographers, giving them an opportunity to show their work on a professional platform. 

We sat down with their team to share more about The Polygon Gallery's vision and the community-driven work that they do, beyond producing exhibitions for the city to view and enjoy.

Partial ticket proceeds from Arcanum will be donated to The Gallery in support of their youth art initiatives and programs like Chester Fields. We are proud of this partnership and can't wait to show you what we have co-created for Arcanum. In the meantime, get to know them in the Q+A below. 

 

@polygongallery | thepolygon.ca

OCIN: Tell us a little bit about The Polygon Gallery and what makes it unique.

The Polygon Gallery: So much. Our exciting and thought provoking exhibitions that you will not see anywhere else. That we’re accessible to all, as it’s admission by donation. And, of course, our beautiful building that has won numerous architecture awards that celebrate its excellent design, and how it is connected to our community.

OCIN: As a “vibrant art institution that inspires and provokes cultural insight through adventurous programming”, what are you looking forward to most about sharing your space with Arcanum and the curated experiential sensory immersion program that we have created?

TPG: We look forward to participating in the immersive, community-driven experience you’ve created.

OCIN: How does being a non-profit art institution and gallery impact the kind of communities, vendors, and citizens you engage with?

TPG: As a non-profit arts institution we aim to serve artists and our community. Whether it’s through diverse exhibitions and events, family programming, or offering up our space for others to enjoy. We aim to welcome everyone into the gallery, and have zero barriers for entry. 

OCIN: Tell us a little bit about your youth initiative art programs that our ticket sales will be going towards to help support?

TPG: Proceeds from ticket sales will support The Polygon Gallery’s annual artistic and educational programming, such as: the Chester Fields photography program for high-school students; Kids First monthly art-making activities inspired by current exhibitions; and Gallery School that brings elementary students into the Gallery for five full days of immersive learning in a unique and creative environment.

OCIN: As our first annual Arcanum event, we’re thrilled and honoured to be able to host our experience in your beautiful space. Do you have any wisdom, phrases, or sentiments that you would like to leave our community with?

TPG: We’re excited to be a venue for Arcanum, the support of our community makes a statement about the essential roles of art, access, and education in a lively and engaged community.

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"We’re excited to be a venue for Arcanum, the support of our community makes a statement about the essential roles of art, access, and education in a lively and engaged community."