Vancouver World City of Literature - The Association of Book ...

“...a myriad of cultural centr
Vancouver Playhouse: Opened in 1963, the Vancouver Playhouse in its current
era focuses on contemporary theatre. It is home to the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre
Company, Friends of Chamber Music, and Vancouver Recital Society. It accommodates
professional theatre, recitals, chamber music, contemporary dance, and business
events.
The Orpheum, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and the Vancouver Playhouse (all under the
umbrella of Vancouver Civic Theatres) are enjoying renovations and upgrading because
of the upcoming 2010 Olympics. The Vancouver Civic Theatres will be the premier live
performance venues hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Arts Festivals. The work being
put into the Vancouver Civic Theatres is reflective of an intensifying priority of strengthening
the arts and cultural backbone of Vancouver: Georgia Street. This geographic zone is
already brimming with energy and excitement, and this will only heighten in 2010.
cultural centres
Vancouver has a myriad of cultural centres, which is not surprising given its complex of
languages, cultures, and arts. Following are just a few examples:
Vancouver East Cultural Centre: This once-abandoned church, currently undergoing
an extensive expansion, has developed into a national treasure and a diverse
performance space. VECC opened in 1973 and was warmly welcomed. Critic Max
Wyman wrote that it “had a look and feel of a miniature European Opera house,” and
many musicians have remarked on the warmth and intimacy of the theatre.
Chinese Cultural Centre: The Chinese Cultural Centre of Vancouver was founded in
1973 with the support of the government and of 53 community organizations. It takes
up an entire city block and provides a performance space for Chinese artists, a museum
exhibiting Chinese and Chinese-Canadian work, and meeting facilities for Chinese-
Canadians to rent. It also runs a popular tour of Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Le centre culturel francophone de Vancouver: Incorporated in 1975, le centre
culturel francophone de Vancouver presents French-language performances and
promotes French-speaking and francophone artists. The centre also provides Frenchlanguage
courses, a library, and summer camps.
The Jewish Community Centre: The Centre is the home of various leading Jewish
organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and
important cultural facilities, such as the Norman Rothstein Theatre. Equally
importantly, the Centre is a gathering place that reflects and
accommodates the diverse needs of Vancouver’s Jewish community.
chapter two: the cultural city
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