Message from the Artistic Director, January 2014

Dear Queer Arts Family,

Happy New Year! 2014 is a year of big changes at QAF.

QAF offices have moved – from our East Van basement headquarters to a bright top floor loft in Gordon Neighbourhood House at Broughton and Comox. As we relocate from one Vancouver gaybourhood to the other, we are happy to have found offices that are more accessible in every way – easy to find, more public, and much easier to move around in for people who are either mobility challenged or tall. A big thanks to Paul M. Taylor and the whole team at GNH for inviting us into their space, and to QAF all-star volunteers Kathy, Jayden, Marnie and Laurie and all our staff for making the relocation a smooth and painless process. If you’re in the neighbourhood, swing by and say hello, or come spend a little longer and volunteer.

We have big changes on our staffing front too. I’d like to welcome Theo Jakob, joining the QAF team as our new Managing Director, a position created thanks to a Capacity Building Grant from the BC Arts Council. Many of you may know Theo from his work with the Vancouver Queer Film Festival and the All Bodies Swim. Our Director of Operations, Rachel Iwaasa, will be taking the helm as Acting Artistic Director, while I take a one-year sabbatical for 2014. It’s been an intense 7 years developing from the all-volunteer Pride in Art exhibition into the 3-week transdisciplinary festival QAF has become. An awful lot has happened along the way, and it’s time for me to step back to take time for some quiet contemplation and professional development – working on my MFA, touring my show BUTCH: not like the other girls, and developing it into a book. I will also be delving into two other projects on grief around my beautiful wife Catherine and her death: Still Life, portraits of absence, and Pazapa: pilgrimage variations, a transdisciplinary piece about the journey of grieving through my walk across Canada. Ok, so maybe not so much time for quiet contemplation. Rest assured, I’ll miss the festival too much to disappear. My commitment to the work remains as strong as ever, and I’ll still be available to the team as consultant and volunteer – in the meantime, our programming is all set for2014, and I know I’m leaving the festival in very capable hands. Warmest thanks to the whole Queer Arts Family for all your support of the festival over the years. It’s been a rewarding and challenging learning cliff, and I look forward to returning in a year.

SD Holman,QAF Artistic Director

Photo credit: belle ancell

Theo Jakob joins the Pride in Art in January 2014 in the position as Managing Director, created with the generous assistance of a BC Arts Council Capacity Building grant. Theo comes to us with nine years experience in program management and administration of multi-stakeholder programs, especially focused on community empowerment and engagement with queer and trans communities, and seven years experience in volunteer coordination and human resource management. Theo has worked since 2010 as Festival Program Coordinator at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, where he assisted with coordinating Festival production, including 2011’s Celebrate Queer Vancouver activities, and spearheaded their accessibility initiatives. Theo’s particular expertise is as a consultant and community programmer whose work often centres around policy, organizational development, sustainability, anti-oppression and accessibility. We are excited to welcome this brilliant young arts administrator to our team, as part of our commitment to nurturing and cultivating queer arts talent in Vancouver.

Daily Xtra | Queer Arts Festival receives more stable BC funding

By Corey | April 12, 2014

Queer Arts Festival receives more stable BC funding

BY SHAUNA LEWIS Published Sat, Apr 12, 2014 1:00 pm EDTORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://dailyxtra.com/vancouver/news/queer-arts-festival-receives-stable-bc-funding

Organizers waiting to hear from federal ministry that cut funding last year

Having lost, then regained, three-quarters of its federal funding last year, Vancouver’s Queer Arts Festival (QAF) organizers are welcoming increased funding from the BC Arts Council.

In a letter addressed to the society that runs QAF, the arts council praised the annual festival for its “incredible work and great aggressive programming.”

QAF sets the bar “very high on artistic achievement,” the letter says, and engages “a very healthy, broad demographic.”

While the BC Arts Council has funded QAF in the past, this year’s grant marks a transition from year-to-year project funding to a more stable operating grant.

“We got an increase from the BC Arts Council; our grant nearly doubled there,” says QAF’s acting artistic director, Rachel Iwaasa, “and we got an increase from the city as well.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, which funds the BC Arts Council, confirmed in an email to Xtra that the province has given $12,000 in operating funding to QAF.

Iwaasa says that getting the operational grant from the province proves the festival is gaining attention as a “major player” in the arts scene, warranting stable funding commitment.

“The BC Arts Council is notoriously the most difficult to get onto operating funding because their funding has been up and down,” she says. “But the provincial government this past year has made much more of a commitment to the arts, which means for the first time in over a decade, there was a window of opportunity for them to add groups onto operating funding.”

The City of Vancouver has also allotted $15,000 to the festival. “The Pride in Arts group have received project grants from the city for several years,” says spokesperson Nancy Eng.

QAF is still waiting to hear about its funding application to the federal Department of Canadian Heritage.

Last year, Canadian Heritage suddenly cut QAF’s annual $44,000 grant because, it wrote in a letter to organizers, the festival no longer fit the sponsorship criteria to deliver “measurable and tangible results, to optimize available funds, and to meet the needs of Canadians.” (Toronto’s Buddies in Bad Times Theatre received a very similar letter in November.)

Two days after QAF went public about its funding cut, Canadian Heritage quietly reinstated 75 percent of its grant, without explanation.

Iwaasa says the organization met with a Canadian Heritage representative last fall “to see if there were any ways we could strengthen our application. The officer didn’t have a lot of advice.”

Iwaasa says QAF ended 2013 with a deficit because of the federal funding cut, but private and corporate donors have helped mitigate the consequences.

Iwaasa won’t divulge how much money was raised through community help but says the response was immediate and helped reinforce the festival.

“Thanks to the community coming together for us, QAF was able to weather last year’s cut from DCH, but not without some pretty serious belt-tightening,” she says.

“Although we remain financially very healthy — as the glowing report from [BC Arts Council] attests — the cut did mean we finished 2013 with a small deficit, the very first in QAF’s history,” she says.

Iwaasa says QAF is counting on the community’s support again this year and expects to hear about federal funding by the end of April.

Flamers, Sunny Drake, and Playing for Our Team!

By SD Holman Queer Arts Festival | March 17, 2014Whats new at QAF? We’ve got some exciting news and changes this month, including a job posting, new staff, and exciting upcoming projects. Here’s what we have to share with you.

Art changes people; people change the world

Become a Pride in Art patron. Imagine a world without homophobia — then help make that world a reality. Whether you make a one-time gift, or commit to sustain the festival with a monthly contribution, your tax-deductible donation helps QAF commission and incubate cutting-edge new queer work, nurture the next generation of queer talent, and to celebrate with the wider world the best our communities have to offer.

QSONG

QAF is partnering with Qmunity Gab Youth and the Access to Music Foundation to bring you a 16-week songwriting workshop for queer and allied youth ages 14-24. All levels of experience are welcome!Led by queer singer/songwriters Sarah Wheeler and Melissa Endean, QSONG incorporates recording, broadcasting, and mentorship opportunities, plus a live appearance at QAF2014!Funded in part by:

Initial drop-in Workshops Mar 26, and Apr 30 4-6 pmWeekly workshops May 16 – Aug 9Located at our QAF offices: Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton St. Room 2

SUNNY DRAKE

QAF is incredibly excited to announce Sunny Drake as one of the performers in our upcoming festival season.Sunny has created his own unique style of multi-genre theatre, which he has been evolving since he was a teenaged girl. Sunny has performed in theatres, festivals, living rooms, streets, work places, deserts, schools, universities, basements, backyards & conferences in Australia, the USA, Canada, and Europe. He recently won the Arts Professional Award in the SummerWorks Performance Festival (2013) as well as being named by NOW Magazine for “Outstanding Performance” and “Outstanding Design”. Watch for details when the full QAF line-up is announced later this spring, and visit his website here!“Sunny Drake…is a force of nature. A real-life cartoon. He bounds, jumps, fizzes and cranks his way across the stage, full of pluck and charisma–and we can’t look away.”– Mike Anderson, Mooney on Theatre

COR FLAMMAE – CALL FOR AUDITIONS

Warm up those lovely pink vocal folds and audition for Canada’s first queer classical chorus! Cor Flammae will be holding auditions for classically-trained Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass singers on March 15 and 16th in Vancouver. See www.corflammae.com/auditions for more info, and sign up to reserve your audition time. Cor Flammae is Vancouver’s budding chamber chorus of classically trained, queer singers, performing historical and modern queer content. Composed from the ranks of Vancouver’s top-flight choral ensembles and singers, the choir seeks to reveal the hidden queer heritage often ignored in the conservative world of classical music. Cor Flammae is looking for your support: your donations are needed, and will go towards paying highly-trained musicians, purchasing sheet music, and rental fees for venues and rehearsal spaces. To help Canada’s first classical queer chorus continue to perform queer content, click the button below!

New Communications Coordinator at QAF

Kenneth Yuen joins the team at QAF this month as the new Communications Coordinator. Over the past 5 years, he has worked with various local artist-run organizations including Access Gallery and On Main Gallery.Kenneth comes from a visual arts background and has worked as a project assistant on many projects with video artist Paul Wong – highlights include the ‘5’ project, commissioned by The City of Vancouver through its Olympic and Paralympic Public Art Program, as part of Mapping and Marking Artist-Initiated Projects for Vancouver 2010. Most recently, he was the Kickstarter campaign manager for On Main Gallery’s MIMMiC Project, and SD Holman’sBUTCH: Not like the other girls.We are excited to welcome Kenneth as part of our team, and look forward to the upcoming festival season with him – feel free to contact him at kenneth@prideinart.ca

ROOM MAGAZINE Call for Submissions

Room Magazine, Canada’s oldest literary journal by and about women*, is having an open call for polished unpublished fiction, poetry, and non-fiction on any theme for their upcoming issue edited by Christina Cooke and Taryn Hubbard. Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2014

To learn more about page limits and how to submit, please refer to the Submission Guidelines listed on their website at http://www.roommagazine.com/submit.*Room accepts submissions from cisgender, trans and genderqueer authors written from a feminine perspective, regardless of sexual orientation or current identification. Room is presently in the midst of re-branding the journal to reflect that reality. So long as your work features feminine perspectives, they’d love to read it!

Here’s to 2014!

WE Vancouver | Best of the City 2014: Reader’s Choice Results!

Best of the City 2014: Reader’s Choice Results!

BY WE VANCOUVER EDITORIAL Published Tues, Feb 25, 2014 9:00 pmORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.wevancouver.com/news/best-of-the-city-2014-readers-choice-results-1.881310

Our readers know what makes Vancouver one of the best cities in the world, and a record number took the time to share in our annual Best of the City readers choice survey.

Public Art

1. A-maze-ing Laughter (English Bay)

2. Digital Orca (Vancouver Convention Centre)

3. East Van Cross (Clark and East 6th)

Performing Arts Fest

1. PuSh Festival (300-640 W. Broadway, 604-874-7874)

2. Bard on the Beach (203-456 W. Broadway, 604-737-0625)

3. Vancouver Fringe Festival (1398 Cartwright, 604-257-0350)

Musician/Band

1. Mother Mother

2. Dan Mangan

3. Said the Whale

Music Festival

1. Vancouver International Jazz Festival

2. Vancouver Folk Festival

3. Khatsalano

Visual Arts Festival

1. VIFF (1181 Seymour, 604-685-0260)

2. Eastside Culture Crawl (108-1000 Parker, 778-960-7575)

3. Queer Arts Festival (21706-1424 Commercial, 604-802-7269)

Visual Artists: Jim Hart, Andy Dixon, Alice Rich, Ken Lum and Paul Wong

Theatre Company

1. Arts Club Theatre Company (1585 Johnson, 604-687-5315)

2. Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival (203-456 W. Broadway, 604-737-0625)

3. Vancouver TheatreSports League (1502 Duranleau, 604-738-7013)

Dance Company

1. Burlesque Beauties

2. Ballet BC (677 Davie, 604-732-5003)

3. Goh Ballet Academy (2345 Main, 604-872-4014)

Classical Music Ensemble

1. VSO

2. Vancouver Opera (tie)

2. Turning Point Ensemble (tie)

3. Musica Intima (tie)

3. Borealis String Quartet (tie)

3. Novo Ensemble (tie)

Art Gallery

1. Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby, 604-662-4700)

2. Museum of Anthropology (6393 NW. Marine, 604-822-5087)

3. Bill Reid and Douglas Reynolds (2335 Granville, 604-731 9292)

Repertory Art House Movie Theatre

1. Rio (1660 E. Broadway, 604-879-3456)

2. Cinematheque (200-1131 Howe, 604-688-8202)

3. Fifth Avenue (2110 Burrard, 604-734-7469)

Local Entrepreneur

1. Ryan Holmes (Hootsuite)

2. Mark Brand (tie) (Save On Meats)

2. Jim Pattison (tie) (Signs, media, automotive)

3. Chip Wilson (Lululemon)

Local Casino

1. River Rock (8811 River Rd, Richmond, (604) 247-8900)

2. Edgewater (750 Pacific Blvd South, 604-687-3343)

3. Hard Rock (2080 United Blvd, Coquitlam, 604-523-6888)

Local Blog

1. Miss 604

2. Vancouver is Awesome

3. Vancity Buzz

Local Twitter Feed

1. @VancityBuzz

2. @Miss604

3. @VIAwesome

Local TV Station

1. Global

2. CTV

3. CBC

Local TV Personality

1. Tamara Taggart (CTV)

2. Chris Gailus (Global)

3. Ian Hanomansing (CBC)

Local Radio Station

1. The Peak 102.7

2. CBC

3. The Beat 94.5

Local Radio Personality

1. Kid Carson (SONiC 104.9)

2. Nat &amp; Drew (Virgin 95.3)

3. Stephen Quinn (CBC)

Local Sports Team

1. Canucks

2. Whitecaps

3. Giants

Local Athlete

1. Ryan Kesler (Canucks)

2. Henrik Sedin (Canucks)

3. Joe Cannon (Whitecaps)

Local Podcast

1. Stop Podcasting Yourself

2. Caustic Soda

3. Team 1040 Podcast (tie)

3. Sneaky Dragon (tie)

Shopping Street

1. Robson Street

2. Main Street

3. West 4th Avenue

Shopping Centre

1. Pacific Centre (701 W. Georgia, 604-688-7235)

2. Oakridge (650 W. 41st, 604-261-2511)

3. Metrotown (4700 Kingsway, 604-438-4715)

Shoes

1. Gravity Pope (2205 W. 4th, 604-731-7673)

2. Fluevog (837 Granville, 604-688-2828; 65 Water, 604-688-6228)

3. Lords Shoes and Apparel (2932 Granville St, 604-730-2914)

Lingerie

1. Victorias Secret (multiple locations)

2. Dianes Lingerie &amp; Loungewear Ltd (2950 Granville, 604-738-5121)

3. Change Lingerie (2358 Cambie, 604-873-1056; 2815 W. Broadway, 604-742-0557)

Leather Goods

1. Danier Leather (1018 Robson, 604-689-7330)

2. Pelle Italian Leather (1204 Seymour, 604-362-6416)

3. Erin Templeton (511 Carrall, 604-682-2451)

Jewellery

1. Spence Diamonds (888 Burrard, 604-734-3912)

2. Blue Ruby (multiple locations)

3. Maharani Jewels (1500-701 W. Georgia, 604-637-1947)

Toy Store

1. Toys R Us (1154 W. Broadway, 604-733-8697)

2. Granville Island Toy Company (1496 Cartwright, 604-684-0076; 3298 Main, 604-875-0065)

3. Kaboodles (multiple locations)

Car Dealership New

1. The BMW Store (2040 Burrard, 604-659-3200)

2. Carter Honda (2390 Burrard, 604-736-2821)

3. Jim Pattison Toyota Downtown (1290 Burrard, 1-888-778-4869)

Car Dealership Used

1. Jim Pattison Toyota Downtown (1290 Burrard, 1-888-778-4869)

2. Auto One (8555 Cambie, 1-877-350-7307)

3. Empower Lease Corp (1300-1500 W. Georgia, 604-739-2555)

Home Furnishings

1. Parliament (115 Water, 604-689-0800)

2. Crate &amp; Barrel/CB2 (multiple locations)

3. Moes Home Collection (1728 Glen, 604-687-5599)

Second Hand/Consignment Furnishings

1. Sellution Vintage Furniture (3206 Main, 604-876-4517)

2. Habitat for Humanity ReStore (69 W. 69, 604-326-3055)

3. Duchess Vintage (tie) (430 Columbia, 604-558-1850)

3. Refind on Main (tie) (4609 Main, 778-855-0969)

Home Electronics

1. Best Buy (2220 Cambie, 604-638-4966)

2. Future Shop (multiple locations)

3. Target (multiple locations)

Home Accessories

1. Urban Barn (multiple locations)

2. Crate &amp; Barrel/CB2 (multiple locations)

3. West Elm (2915 Granville, 604-734-9302)

Lighting

1. Robinson Lighting &amp; Bath Centre (2285 Cambie, 604-879-2494)

2. Lightform Architectural Lighting (1060 Homer, 604-688-7022)

3. The Lighting Warehouse (12420 Bridgeport, 604-270-3339)

Kitchenware/Cooking Store

1. Ming Wo (multiple locations)

2. Gourmet Warehouse (1340 E. Hastings, 604-253-3022)

3. Cookworks (377 Howe, 604-662-4918; 1548 W. Broadway, 604-731-1148)

Gardening Store

1. Art Knapp (1401 Hornby, 604-662-3303)

2. GardenWorks (multiple locations)

3. David Hunter Garden Center (2560 W. Broadway, 604-733-1534)

Veterinarian

1. Yaletown Pet Hospital (893 Expo Blvd, 604-682-7389)

2. Granville Island Veterinary Hospital (1635 W. 4th, 604-734-7744)

3. Amherst Veterinarians (tie) (260-2083 Alma, 604-221-7771)

3. Vancouver Veterinary Hospital (tie) (1541 Kingsway, 604-876-2231)

Pet Grooming

1. Woof! Dog Shoppe (tie) (1905 W. 1st, 604-568-4212)

1. Petsmart (tie) (multiple locations)

2. Mestisos Pets Spa &amp; Supplies Corporation (3087 Oak, 604-738-0033)

3. Pawsh Dog Spa &amp; Boutique (tie) (80 Smithe, 604-685-6088)

3. The Pet Shop Boys (tie) (3080 Cambie, 604-569-3377)

Pet Daycare

1. Dog Taxi (2419 Columbia, 604-720-0358)

2. The Urban Puppy Shop (200-1375 W. 6th, 604-736-0557)

3. The Doghouse (2425 Manitoba, 604-708-6100;105-1833 Anderson, 604-737-7500)

Tattoo/Piercing Studio

1. Adrenaline Professional Body Piercing &amp; Tattoos (1014 Granville, 604-669-6800; 1926 W. 4th, 604-734-8282)

2. Sacred Heart Tattoo (725 Nelson, 604-647-0826)

3. Gastown Tattoo Parlour (105 W. Cordova, 604-642-6556)

Sex/Erotic Shop

1. Little Sisters Book &amp; Art Emporium (1238 Davie, 604- 669-1753)

2. Honey Gifts (tie) (3448 Cambie, 604-708-8065; 350 Water, 604-684-8065)

2. Womyns Ware (tie) (896 Commercial, 604-254-2543)

3. The Art of Loving (1819 W. 5th, 604-742-9988)

Head Shop

1. Ignite Smoke Shop (109 W. Cordova, 778-786-0977)

2. Cottonmouth Smokeshop (1120 Davie, 604-331-1602)

3. Puff (multiple locations)

Games

1. EB Games (10-457 W. 8th, 604-874-1080; 650 W. 41st, 604-263-3745)

2. Drexoll Games (2880 W. 4th, 604-733-6511)

3. Strategies Games &amp; Hobbies (3878 Main, 604-872-6911)

Art &amp; Craft Supplies

1. Michaels (665 W. Broadway, 604-638-2523; 1022 Alberni, 604-638-1940)

2. Opus Framing and Art Supplies (multiple locations)

3. DeSerres (2811 Grandview, 604-681-7351; 1431 W. Broadway, 604-733-1331)

Musical Instruments

1. Tom Lee Music (929 Granville, 604-685-8471)

2. Long &amp; McQuade (368 Terminal, 604-734-4886)

3. Prussin Music (3607 W. Broadway, 604-736-3036)

Mobile Device Retailer

1. Rogers (multiple locations)

2. Telus (multiple locations)

3. Fido (multiple locations)

Personal Computer Retailer

1. Apple Store (701 W. Georgia, 778-373-1800; 650 W. 41st, 778-373-4500)

2. Future Shop (tie) (1740 W. Broadway, 604-739-3000; 798 Granville, 604-683-2502)

2. Best Buy (tie) (2220 Cambie, 604-638-4966)

3. NCIX (1887 W. Broadway, 604-731-9208)

Hotel

1. Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Pl, 604-695-5300)

2. Four Seasons (791 W. Georgia, 604-689-9333)

3. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (900 W. Georgia, 604-684-3131)

Out of Town Spa Getaway

1. Scandinave Spa (8010 Mons Rd, Whistler, 604-935-2424)

2. Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa (100 Esplanade, 1-866-247-0426)

3. Sparkling Hill Resort (888 Sparkling Pl, Vernon, 250-275-1556)

BC Resort Hotel

1. Black Rock Oceanfront Resort (596 Marine Dr, Ucluelet, 250-726-4800)

2. Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort (tie) (4599 Chateau Blvd, 604-938-8000)

2. Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa (tie) (100 Esplanade, Harrison Hot Springs, 1-866-247-0426)

3. The Wickaninnish Inn (500 Osprey Ln, Tofino, 250-725-3100)

Realtor

1. Brad Davis (4012 Cambie, 778 238-0801)

2. Jordan MacNab (604-551-5695)

3. Aaron Jasper (tie) (204-345 Robson, 604-669-3131)

3. Mike &amp; Will Team (tie) (204-345 Robson, 778-772-4252)

Real Estate Developer

1. Bluetree Homes (2000-1055 Dunsmuir, 604-648-1800)

2. Bosa (500-1901 Rosser, 604-294-0666)

3. Cressey (800-925 W. Georgia, 604-683-1256)

Real Estate Agency

1. Century 21 (multiple locations)

2. Re/Max (multiple locations)

3. Royal LePage (City Centre, 345 Robson, 604-408-9311)

Mortgage Broker

1. Lorena Grigore (604-722-9890)

2. Ryan McKinley (604-340-1611)

3. Birgit Holm (604-762-0166)

Construction Reno Contractor

1. Refine and Design (778-895-4001)

2. Panther Group (343 Railway, 604-681-1298)

3. Kindred Construction (tie) (308-2150 W. Broadway, 604-736-4847;

3. Fairtrade Works (tied) (101-1520 Rand Ave, 1-855-860-7366)

Storage

1. Maple Leaf Storage (multiple locations)

2. Public Storage (multiple locations)

3. Yaletown Mini Storage (864 Cambie, 604-683-5885)

Moving Company

1. The Move Man (1121 W. 15th, 604-973-0173)

2. Crown Mountain Movers (2255 Magnussen, 778-872-7696)

3. Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving (104-2251 No. 5 Rd., 604-324-3333)

Junk Removal

1. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (1-800-468-5865)

2. Fresh Start Recycling (237 E. 4th, 604-637-6400)

3. Hunky Haulers (604-355-4865)

Landscaper

1. Student Yard Works (155 Pemberton, 604-551-9409)

2. The Garden Genie (604-323-0484)

3. Absolute Landscaping (tie) (807-250 E. 6th, 604-684-9901)

3. Terraform Landscaping (tie) (305 Mansfield Pl, 604-988-9506)

Plumber

1. Lew Plumbing and Heating (127-2323 Boundary Rd, 604-205-9436)

2. Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating (212 E. 17th, 604-879-1415)

3. Milani Plumbing Drainage and Heating (3433 E. 25, 604-737-2603)

Carpet Cleaners

1. Brisas Carpet Care (2076 W. 47th, 604-720-1572)

2. Coit (1-800-367-2648)

3. Aero Carpet Cleaning (tie) (8258 St. George, 604-321-7440)

3. Citrus O Carpet Care (tie) (601 W. Broadway, 604-433-7585)

Caterer

1. Emelles Catering (177 W. 7th, 604-875-6551)

2. The Lazy Gourmet (1605 W. 5th, 604-734-2507)

3. Culinary Capers (1545 W. 3rd, 604-875-0123)

Bank/Credit Union

1. Vancity

2. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

3. Bank of Montreal (BMO)

Funeral Home

1. Kearney Funeral Services (450 W. 2nd Ave, 604-736-0268)

2. Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home (306 E. 11th, 604-876-2161)

3. Amherst Funeral and Cremation Services (1209-207 W. Hastings, 604-831-3023)

Car Share

1. Car2Go (1-855-454-1002)

2. Modo The Car Co-op (604-685-1393)

3. Zipcar (1-866-494-7227)

Auto Detailing

1. Platinum Touch Auto Spa (tie) (1696 W. 5th, 604-736-8636)

1. World Class Auto Care (tie) (1022 Seymour, 604-739-3444)

2. Ultra Shine Hand Car Wash and Auto Detailing (160 E. 2nd, 604-558-3998)

3. Kingsway Auto Detailing Centre (290 E. 5th, 604-872-1434)

Continuing Education

1. BCIT

2. VCC

3. UBC

Spa

1. Spa Utopia &amp; Salon (1001-999 Canada Pl, 604-689-7700)

2. Absolute Spa Group (multiple locations)

3. Elements Wellness Centre (207-2678 W. Broadway, 604-732-9355)

Naturopath

1. Dr. Briana Peddle (207-2678 W. Broadway, 604-732-9355)

2. Dr. Dharm Sidhu (2657 Commercial, 604-428-1399)

3. Dr. Heidi Rootes (tie) (827 Hamilton, 604-687-7678)

3. Dr. Alexina Mehta (tie) (215-2211 West 4th, 604-731-7789)

Massage Therapist

1. Theron White RMT (202-865 Hornby, 604-684-0554)

2. Stephen Jay RMT (tie) (100-289 Abbott, 604-689-1331; 306-560 Beatty, 604-569-3891)

2. Nicole Van Damme non-RMT (tie) (60-1687 W. Broadway, 778 -785-0969)

3. Randall Friedman RMT (212-2475 Bayswater, 604-873-4161)

CrossFit Gym

1. CrossFit 604 (154 W Hastings, 604-899-9443)

2. CrossFit Kitsilano (1370 W. 4th, 604-558-3488)

3. Studeo55 (202-865 Hornby, 604-684-0544)

Sporting Goods

1. Mountain Equipment Co-op (130 W. Broadway, 604-872-7858)

2. Sport Chek (multiple locations)

3. All-Court Stringing (1217 Nanaimo, 778-835-0672)

Board &amp; Ski Shop

1. Comor Sports (1980 Burrard, 604-736-7547)

2. The Boardroom (1745 W. 4th, 604-734-7669)

3. Sport Chek (multiple locations)

Chiropractor

1. Dr. Harold Meinzer (2184 W. Broadway, 604-742-0111)

2. Dr. Randall Trester (3-1864 W. 1st, 604-736-8353)

3. Dr. Christian Guenette (450-2184 W. Broadway, 604-742-0111)

Acupuncturist

1. Kiran Manhas Elements Wellness Centre (207-2678 W. Broadway, 604-732-9355)

2. Dr. Eyal Lebel (408-2150 W. Broadway, 604-761-9434)

3. Kelli Taylor Elements Wellness Centre (207-2678 W. Broadway, 604-732-9355)

Cosmetics Retailer

1. Sephora (701 W. Georgia, 778-331-3942)

2. MAC Cosmetics (multiple locations)

3. MASC (433 Davie, 604-688-4555)

Skincare Facility

1. MASC (433 Davie, 604-688-4555)

2. Skoah (multiple locations)

3. Optaderm (tie) (340-2184 W. Broadway, 604-737-2026)

3. Project Skin MD (tie) (1495 W. 11th, 604-732-0800)

Lash Bar

1. Noir Lash Lounge (multiple locations)

2. W Lash Beautique (formerly Wink) (67 E Cordova, 604-696-9465)

3. Kats Spa Services (2695 W. 4th, 778-788-4767)

Brow Bar

1. Bombay Brow Bar (1056 Mainland, 604-683-2769)

2. Dona Lucia Esthetics Salon (521 W.Georgia, 604-566-9112)

3. Blink (577 Bute, 604-428-2769)

Laser Hair Removal

1. Arbutus Laser Centre (1062025 W. Broadway, 604-731-5512)

2. Elegance Medi-Spa (2692 W. 4th, 604-336-4339)

3. Dermal Laser (tie) (803 Davie, 604-684-0254)

3. Yaletown Laser (tie) (1010 Mainland, 604-331-1777)

Laser Eye Centre

1. London Eye Centre (918 12th, New Westminster, 604-526-2020)

2. Pacific Laser Eye (1401 W. Broadway, 604-736-2625)

3. Coal Harbour Eye Centre (tie) (1177 W. Hastings, 604-682-4900)

3. Lasik MD (tie) (101-1281 W. Georgia, 604-639-8088)

Botox Clinic

1. Vancouver Laser &amp; Skin Care (750 W. Broadway, 604-708-9891)

2. Medical Rejuvenation Centre (7011281 W. Georgia, 604-763-7546)

3. Project Skin MD (1495 W. 11th, 604-732-0800)

Cosmetic Surgery

1. Medical Rejuvenation Centre (701-1281 W. Georgia, 604-763-7546)

2. Dr. Denton (202-943 W. Broadway, 604-879-3223)

3. Fairview Plastic Surgery (tie) (480-999 W. Broadway, 604-734-1416)

3. Skinworks (tie) (3568 W. 41st, 604-737-7100)

Pub

1. The Cove (3681 W. 4th, 604-734-1205)

2. Pourhouse (162 Water, 604-568-7022)

3. The Fountainhead (1025 Davie, 604-687-2222)

Nightclub

1. Celebrities (1022 Davie, 604-681-6180)

2. The Roxy (932 Granville, 604-331-7999)

3. Ginger 62 (1219 Granville, 604-688-5494)

Live Music Venue

1. Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville, 604-739-4550)

2. Orpheum (601 Smithe, 604-665-3050)

3. Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward, 604-676-0541)

Gay Bar

1. Celebrities (1022 Davie, 604-681-6180)

2. Oasis Ultra Lounge (1240 Thurlow, 604-685-1724)

3. 1181 (1181 Davie, 604-787-7130)

Comedy Club

1. Yuk Yuks (2837 Cambie, 604-696-9857)

2. The Comedy Mix (1015 Burrard, 604-684-5050)

3. Vancouver TheatreSports (1502 Duranleau, 604-738-7013, Granville Island)

Comedian/Comedy Troupe

1. Vancouver TheatreSports (1502 Duranleau, 604-738-7013, Granville Island)

2. Graham Clark (Laugh Gallery Monday nights at Havana, 1212 Commercial)

3. Instant Theatre Company (650A E. Broadway, 604-727-3286)

Hidden Gem

1. Button Button (318 Homer, 604-687-0067)

2. Parliament Interiors (115 Water, 604-689-0800)

3. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden (578 Carrall, 604-662-3207)

Local Business Person

1. Mark Brand (Save On Meats)

2. Patrick Levesque (MASC)

3. James Coleridge (Bella Gelateria)

Womens Apparel

1. Malene Grotrian (207 W. Hastings, 604-568-0666)

2. Oak and Fort (tie) (32 Water, 604-566-9199)

2. Secret Location (tie) (1 Water, 604-685-0090)

3. Dream (311 W. Cordova, 604-683-7326)

Mens Apparel

1. Brooklyn Clothing Co. (418 Davie, 604-683-2929)

2. Harry Rosen (700 W. Georgia, 604- 683-6861; 650 W. 41st, 604-266-1172)

3. Roden Gray (8 Water, 604-689-7302)

Vintage Clothing

1. Community Thrift and Vintage (41 W. Cordova, 604- 682-1004)

2. My Sisters Closet (1092 Seymour, 604-687-0770)

3. Vous Valet (1241 Hamilton, 604-558-4228)

Unique Gifts

1. The Cross (1198 Homer, 604-689-2900)

2. Old Faithful (320 W. Cordova, 778-327-9376)

3. Fine Finds Boutique (1014 Mainland, 604-669-8325)

Kids Store/Apparel

1. Parade (231 Cambie, 604-687-7163)

2. Ella and Elliot (126 W. Hastings, 604-563-1845)

3. Army and Navy (36 W. Cordova, 604-682-6644)

Home Décor

1. The Cross (1198 Homer, 604-689-2900)

2. Parliament (115 Water, 604-689-0800)

3. Chintz &amp; Co (tie) (950 Homer, 604-689-2022)

3. Inform Interiors (tie) (50 Water, 604-682-3868)

Organic Produce

1. Choices Market (multiple locations)

2. Urban Fare (multiple locations)

3. Nesters Market (multiple locations)

Local Grocer

1. Choices Market (multiple locations)

2. Urban Fare (multiple locations)

3. Nesters Market (multiple locations)

Local Butcher

1. Big Lous (269 Powell, 604-566-9229)

2. Save On Meats (43 W. Hastings, 604-569-3568)

Ethnic Food Store

1. H-Mart (200-590 Robson, 604-609-4567)

2. T &amp; T (100-2800 E. 1st, 604 254-9668 &amp; 179 Keefer, 604-899-8836)

Bakery

1. Ganache Patisserie (1262 Homer, 604-899-1098)

2. Cadeaux Bakery (172 Powell, 604-608-8889)

3. New Town Bakery (158 E. Pender, 604-681-1828)

Ice Cream/Gelato Shop

1. Bella Gelateria (1001 W. Cordova, 604-569-1010)

2. Yaletown Gelato (122-1208 Homer, 604-689-8531)

3. Whats Shaken (586 Davie, 604-559-8813)

Neighbourhood Restaurant

1. Good Wolfe (1043 Mainland, 604-428-1043)

2. The Flying Pig (1168 Hamilton, 604-568-1344)

3. Yaletown LAntipasto (1127 Mainland, 604-558-1174)

Burgers

1. Romers (multiple locations)

2. Fat Burger (multiple locations)

3. Loving Hut (Pacific and Davie, 604-780-1029)

Pizza

1. Nicli Antica Pizzeria (62 E. Cordova, 604-669-6985)

2. Goldies Pizza (605 W. Pender, 604-681-0650)

3. The Parlour (1011 Hamilton, 604-568-3322)

Vegetarian

1. Gorilla Food (436 Richards, 604- 684-3663)

2. The Parker (237 Union, 604-779-3804)

3. Loving Hut (tie) (Pacific and Davie, 604-780-1029)

3. Panz Veggie (tie) (1355 Hornby, 604- 266-3637)

Breakfast

1. Café Medina (556 Beatty, 604-879-3114)

2. Elbow Room Cafe (560 Davie, 604-685-3628)

3. The Templeton (1087 Granville, 604-685-4612)

Brunch

1. Café Medina (556 Beatty, 604-879-3114)

2. Alibi Room (tie) (157 Alexander, 604-623-3383)

2. Twisted Fork (tie) (1147 Granville, 604-568-0749)

3. Provence (1177 Marinaside, 604-681-4144)

Weekday Lunch

1. Meat and Bread (370 Cambie &amp; 1033 W. Pender, 604-566-9003)

2. Good Wolfe (1043 Mainland, 604-428-1043)

3. Finchs (353 W. Pender, 604- 899-4040)

Dinner

1. LAbbatoir (217 Carrall, 604-568-1701)

2. Rodneys Oyster House (1228 Hamilton, 604-609-0080; 52 Powell, 604-685-2005)

3. Chambar (tie) (562 Beatty, 604-879-7119)

3. Blue Water Café (tie) (1095 Hamilton, 604- 688-8078)

Dessert

1. Ganache Patisserie (1262 Homer, 604-899-1098)

2. Mink Chocolates Café (863 W. Hastings, 604-633-2451)

3. Cartems Donuterie (534 W. Pender, 778-708-0996)

Date Night Spot

1. LAbattoir (217 Carrall, 604-568-1701)

2. Cibo Trattoria (tie) (900 Seymour, 604-602-9570)

2. Chambar (tie) (562 Beatty, 604-879-7119)

3. Jules Bistro (216 Abbott, 604-669-0033)

Coffee Shop

1. JJ Bean (multiple locations)

2. Revolver (325 Cambie, 604-558-4444)

3. Café Artigiano (multiple locations)

Late Night Dining

1. Tsu Hang Village (1193 Granville, 604-683-6868)

2. Charles Bar (tie) (136 W. Cordova, 604-568-8040)

2. Calabash Bistro (tie) (428 Carrall, 604-568-5882)

3. Revel Room (tie) (238 Abbott, 604-687-4088)

3. Fritz European Fry House (tie) (718 Davie, 604-684-0811)

Pub/Bar

1. The Irish Heather (212 Carrall, 604-688-9779)

2. Yaletown Brewing Company (1111 Mainland, 604-681-2739)

3. The Blackbird (tie) (905 Dunsmuir, 604-899-4456)

3. The Pint (tie) (455 Abbott, 604-684-0258)

Lounge

1. The Diamond (6 Powell, 604-568-8272)

2. Opus Bar (tie) (322 Davie, 604-642-6787)

2. Reflections (tie) (Rosewood Hotel Georgia 801 W. Georgia, 604-682-5566)

3. Chill Winston (tie) (3 Alexander, 604-288-9575)

3. Sip (tie) (1117 Granville, 604-687-7474)

Beer/Wine Store

1. Crosstown Liquor Store (568 Abbott, 604-683-8438)

2. Viti Wine and Lager Store (900 Seymour, 604-683-3806)

3. Yaletown Liquor Store (1116 Hamilton, 604-688-0064)

3. Steamworks (375 Water, 604-689-2739)

Travel agency

1. Flight Centre (multiple locations)

2. Expedia CruiseShipCenters (101-950 W. Broadway, 604-566-9005)

3. Nikko Tours &amp; Travel (512 Beatty, 604-656-2108)

Bikes

1. Reckless Bike Store (110 Davie, 604-648-2600; 1810 Fir, 604-731-2420

2. Simons Bike Shop (608 Robson, 604-602-1181)

3. JV Bike (929 Expo, 604-630-3798)

Green Business

1. Growing City (108 W. Cordova, 1-855-932-6676)

2. Gorilla Foods (436 Richards, 604-684-3663)

3. WA-2! Premium Water (1795 Powell, 1-877-689-4009)

Pet Supplies

1. Van Pet (1065 Hamilton, 604-687-8933)

2. Barking Babies (1188 Homer, 604-647-2275)

3. Wagababa (88 Keefer, 604-628-2458)

Tailor

1. Modernize Tailor (5 W. Pender, 604-685-0610)

2. Townline Tailors (541 Howe, 604-684-6105)

3. Karman Tailors (288 Robson, 604-662-8208)

Cobbler

1. Marcos Italian Shoe Doctor (International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender, 604-435-3522)

2. Robson Shoe Repair (292 Robson, 604-685-5413)

3. Moneys Worth and Best (777 Dunsmuir, 604-408-9188)

Dry Cleaner

1. Yaletown Dry Cleaners (1235 Pacific, 604-899-1276)

2. Swan Laundry (1352 Burrard, 604-684-0323)

3. Moneys Drycleaning (585 Helmcken, 604-687-7408)

Dental Clinic

1. Aarm Dental Group (multiple locations)

2. Zenon Trylowsky (1216-736 Granville, 604-681-8711)

3. Enamel (1-1026 Mainland, 604-633-1199)

Florist

1. Greenstems (315 Abbott, 604-568-1314)

2. Olla Flowers (235 Cambie, 604-609-6552)

3. Heathers The Flowershop (422 W. Cordova, 604-603 4995)

Hair Salon

1. Moods Hair Salon (1070 Mainland, 604-688-1574)

2. Pink Lime Salon &amp; Spa (1018 Mainland, 604-683-7444)

3. Bangtown Hair Saloon (tie) (438 W. Pender, 604-682-7775)

3. Storm Salon (tie) (77 E. Pender, 604-689-0082)

Nail Salon

1. Absolute Spa (1015 Burrard, 604-684-2772)

2. Posy Nail Salon (1001-999 Canada Pl, 604-689-7700)

3. Pure Nail Bar (multiple locations)

Tanning Salon

1. Urban Tanning Studio (518 Davie, 604-681-1699)

2. Cocoa Tanning Salon (88-1065 W. Pender, 604-568-6161; 1165 Pacific Blvd, 604-899-7989)

3. Absolute Spa (The Fairmont Hotel, W. Georgia, 604- 684-2772; 1015 Burrard St, 604-684-2772)

Eye Wear

1. Bruce Eyewear (219 Abbott, 604-662-8300)

2. Strozzis (1175 Mainland, 604-602-1880)

3. Blink Optometry (130 Davie, 604-669-7997)

Spa

1. Absolute Spa (1015 Burrard, 604-684-2772)

2. Float House (tie) (70 W. Cordova, 604-253-5628)

2. Spruce Body Lab (tie) (1128 Richards, 604-683-3220)

3. Pink Lime Salon &amp; Spa (tie) (1018 Mainland, 604-683-7444)

3. Spa Utopia &amp; Salon (tie) (1001- 999 Canada Pl, 604-689-7700)

Yoga Studio

1. YYoga (multiple locations)

2. One Yoga (201-150 W. Hastings, 604-710-7267)

3. Inner Space (100-289 Abbott, 604-689-1331)

Fitness Facility

1. Symmetrix (1238 Seymour, 604-682-6765)

2. Steve Nash Fitness (299-555 W. 12th, 604-876-1009)

3. CrossFit 604 (154 W. Hastings, 604-899-9443)

Hidden Gem

1. Tacofino Commissary (2327 E. Hastings, 604-253-8226)

2. Le Marche St. George (4393 St. George, 604-565-5107)

3. Fairy Cakes (3586 Fraser, 604-442-9866)

Local Business Person

1. Cameron Forsyth (Portland Craft, Main Street Brewery)

2. David Duprey (Rumpus Room, Fox Cabaret)

3. Nigel Pike (Cascade Room, Main Street Brewery)

Womens Apparel

1. Barefoot Contessa (3715 Main, 604-879-1137)

2. Twigg&amp;Hottie (3671 Main, 604-879-8595)

3. Smoking Lily (3634 Main, 604-873-5459)

Mens Apparel

1. Eugene Choo (3683 Main, 604-873-8874)

2. Motherland (466 W. Cordova, 604-681-0780; 3647 Main, 604-568-7530)

3. Exhibit (2601 Main, 604-568-2915)

Vintage Clothing

1. Front &amp; Company (3772 Main, 604-879-8431)

2. Mintage (1714 Commercial, 604-646-8243)

3. Little Miss Vintage (tie) (941 Commercial, 604-255-3554)

3. Burcus Angels (tie) (221 E. 16th, 604-874-1030)

Unique Gifts

1. Front &amp; Company (3772 Main, 604-879-8431)

2. Nineteen Ten (4366 Main, 604-558-0210)

3. Bird on a Wire (2535 Main, 604-873-7415)

Kids store/Apparel

1. The Granville Island Toy Company (3298 Main, 604-875-0065; 11-1496 Cartwright, Kids Market, 604-684-0076)

2. Dilly Dally (1161 Commercial, 604-252-9727)

3. Beansprouts (tie) (4305 Main, 604-871-9782)

3. Dandelion Kids (tie) (1206 Commercial, 604-676-1862)

Home Décor

1. Exposure Home (tie) (1616 Commercial, 604-253-5808)

1. Vancouver Special (tie) (3612 Main, 604-568-3673)

2. Moes Home (1728 Glen, 604-687-5599)

3. Dream Designs (956 Commercial, 604-254-5012)

Organic Produce

1. Donalds Market (multiple locations)

2. Organic Acres (3603 Main, 604-569-1132)

3. Famous Foods (1595 Kingsway, 604-872-3019)

Local Grocer

1. Donalds Market (multiple locations)

2. East West Market (4169 Main, 604-873-8082)

3. East End Food Co-op (tie) (1034 Commercial, 604-254-5044)

3. Santa Barbara (tie) (1322 Commercial, 604-253-1941)

Local Butcher

1. Windsor Quality Meats (4110 Main, 604-872-5635)

2. Rio Friendly Meats (2477 E. Hastings, 604-253-0345)

3. Pasture to Plate (tie) (1420 Commercial, 604-215-0050)

3. Harkness &amp; Co. Butchers (666 E. Broadway, 604-558-3807)

Ethnic Food Store

1. T &amp; T (tie) (100-2800 E. 1st, 604-254-9668; 179 Keefer, 604-254-9668)

1. Yek O Yek (tie) (3046 Main, 604-877-0139)

2. Bosa Foods (tie) (1465 Kootney, 604-253-5578)

2. Fujiya (tie) (multiple locations)

3. Sweet Cherubim (1105 Commercial, 604-253-0969)

Bakery

1. Fratelli Bakery (1795 Commercial, 604-255-8926)

2. Uprising Breads Bakery (tie) (1697 Venables, 604-254-5635)

2. Liberty Bakery (tie) (3699 Main, 604-709-9999)

3. Black Rook Bakehouse (tie) (2141 E. Hastings, 604-563-5094)

3. Breka Bakery &amp; Cafe (tie) (6533 Fraser, 604-325-6612)

Ice Cream/Gelato Shop

1. Earnest Ice Cream (3992 Fraser, 604-428-0697)

2. La Casa Gelato (1033 Venables, 604-251-3211)

3. Dolce Amore (1590 Commercial, 604-258-0006)

Seafood Shop

1. The Fish Counter (3825 Main, 604-876-3474)

2. Daily Catch (1418 Commercial, 604-253-3474)

3. T &amp; T (100-2800 E. 1st, 604-254-9668; 179 Keefer, 604-254-9668)

Cheese Shop

1. La Grotta Del Formaggio (1791 Commercial, 604-255-3911)

2. Les Amis De Fromage (1752 W. 2nd, 604-732-4218)

3. Santa Barbara (1322 Commercial, 604-253-1941)

Neighbourhood Restaurant

1. Havana (1212 Commercial, 604-253-9119)

2. Burgoo (tie) (multiple locations)

2. The Cascade Room (tie) (2616 Main, 604-709-8650)

3. Little Nest (1716 Charles, 604-251-9994)

Burger

1. Veras Burger Shack (multiple locations)

2. Splitz Grill (4242 Main, 604-875-9711)

3. Cannibal Cafe (tie) (1818 Commercial, 604-558-4199)

3. White Spot (tie) (multiple locations)

Pizza

1. Via Tevere (1190 Victoria, 604-336-1803)

2. Famoso (1380 Commercial, 604-251-2292)

3. Rocky Mountain Flatbread (4186 Main, 604-566-9779; 1876 W. 1st Ave, 604-730-0321)

Vegetarian

1. The Acorn (3995 Main, 604-566-9001)

2. The Foundation (2301 Main, 604-708-0881)

3. Bandidas Taqueria (tie) (2781 Commercial, 604-568-8224)

3. Graze (tie) (3980 Fraser, 604-620-8822)

Breakfast

1. Slickity Jims Chat n Chew (3475 Main, 604-873-6760)

2. Red Wagon (2296 E. Hastings, 604-568-4565)

3. Lucys Eastside Diner (2708 Main, 604-568-1550)

Brunch

1. Red Wagon (2296 E. Hastings, 604-568-4565)

2. The Wall Flower (2420 Main, 604-568-7554)

3. Graze (tie) ( 3980 Fraser, 604-620-8822)

3. Roundel Cafe (tie) (2465 E. Hastings, 604-253-2522)

Weekday Lunch

1. Hawkers Delight (4127 Main, 604-709-8188)

2. The Reef (4172 Main, 604-874-5375; 1018 Commercial, 604-568-5375)

3. Budgies Burritos (44 Kingsway, 604-874-5408)

Dinner

1. Le Faux Bourgeois (663 E. 15th, 604-873-9733)

2. Grub (tie) (4328 Main, 604-876-8671

2. Merchants Oyster Bar (tie) (1590 Commercial, 604-258-0005)

3. El Caminos (3250 Main, 604-875-6246)

Dessert

1. Sweet Revenge (4160 Main, 604-879-7933)

2. The Gluten Free Epicurean (633 E. 15th, 604-876-4114)

3. Trumps (646 Powell, 604-732-8473)

Date Night Spot

1. Campagnolo (1020 Main, 604-484-6018)

2. Cascade (2616 Main, 604-709-8650)

3. Via Tevere (1190 Victoria, 604-336-1803)

Coffee Shop

1. JJ Bean (multiple locations)

2. Matchstick (639 E. 15th, 604-558-0639)

3. Forty Ninth Parallel (2902 Main; 2198 West 4th, 604-420-4900)

Late Night Dining

1. Lucys Eastside Diner (2708 Main, 604-568-1550)

2. The Whip (tie) (209 E. 6th, 604-874-4687)

2. Falconettis East Side Grill (tie) (1812 Commercial, 604- 251-7287)

3. Narrow Lounge (1898 Main, 778-737-5206)

Pub/Bar

1. Portland Craft (3835 Main, 604-569-2494)

2. BierCraft (tie) (1191 Commercial, 604-254-2437; 3305 Cambie, 604-874-6900)

2. Cascade (tie) (2616 Main, 604-709-8650)

3. Charlatan (tie) (1447 Commercial, 604-253-2777)

3. Storm Crow Tavern (tie) (1305 Commercial, 604-566-9669)

Microbrewery

1. Parallel 49 Brewing Co. (1946 Triumph, 604-558-2739)

2. Brassneck Brewery (2148 Main, 604-259-7686)

3. 33 Acres (15 W. 8th, 604-620-4589)

Beer/Wine Store

1. Brewery Creek (3045 Main, 604-872-3373)

2. Tobys (2733 Commercial, 604-879-2066)

3. Liberty Wine Merchants (multiple locations)

Travel Agency

1. Flight Centre (multiple locations)

2. Rainbow Travel (150 E. Broadway, 604-872-2627)

3. Tian Bao (309-4538 Kingsway, 604-433-6133; 103-7900 Westminster Hwy, 604- 273-6133)

Bikes

1. Our Community Bikes (3283 Main, 604-879-2453)

2. Ride On (3463 Main, 604-738-7734; 2255 W. Broadway, 604-736-7433)

3. Bikes on the Drive (1350 Commercial, 604-215-7433)

Green Business

1. The Soap Dispensary (3623 Main, 604-568-3141)

2. Without A Trace Cleaning (3324 E. 6th, 604-354-6388)

3. MattressRecycling.ca (8275 Sherbrooke, 604-973-0183)

Pet Supplies

1. Tisol Pet Nutrition &amp; Supply Stores (multiple locations)

2. Mr. Pets (1710 Commercial, 604-872-0115)

3. Sophies Pet Palace (1280 Commercial, 604-255-1211)

Hardware Store

1. Home Hardware (multiple locations)

2. Welks General Store (3511 Main, 604-873-3330)

3. Vancouver Tool Library (3448 Commercial St., 604-568-8071)

Auto Repair

1. Automind (268 E. 10th, 604-875-6666)

2. Main Street Automotive (4835 Main, 604-879-5595)

Tailor

1. Angelo Tailors (1501 Commercial, 604-253-7633)

2. Susans Alterations (3657 Main, 604-873-9555)

3. A &amp; R Alterations (Mn-230 E.11th, 604-874-8857)

Cobbler

1. Both Feet On Main (4410 Main, 604-872-1318)

2. Quick Cobbler (430 W. 2nd, 604-682-6354)

3. East Van Shoe Repair (60 E. Hastings, 778-807-5942)

Dry Cleaner

1. Shirtland (746 Powell, 604-254-4415)

2. Busy Bee Cleaners (1519 Commercial, 604-254-8010)

3. Launder All Coin Laundry (2706 Main, 604-873-3888)

Dental Clinic

1. Mercato Dental Centre (1617 Commercial, 604-254-5900)

2. HighGate Dental (210-7155 Kingsway, 604-526-1122)

3. Care Dental (1437 Cedar Cottage Mews, 604-568-2901)

Florist

1. Flower Factory (3604 Main, 604-871-1008)

2. The Flowerbox (1319 Commercial, 604-254-3269)

3. Blumen Floral (438 W. 8th, 604-708-0882)

Hair Salon

1. Trim (2-3851 Main, 604-876-2118)

2. East Vanity Parlour (tie) (2408 Main, 604-637-1122)

2. Barbarella Hair Salon (tie) (3277 Main, 604-876-1414)

3. Jeffersons Barbershop (1949 Commercial, 604-251-1137)

Nail Salon

1. Gloss Hair Salon &amp; Nail Bar (3149 Granville, 604-732-8282)

2. Main Nail Studio (4405 Main, 604-568-4410)

3. Sun Moon Nails (167 E. 12th, 604-558-4499)

Tanning Salon

1. Banana Tans (148 E. Broadway, 604-872-8267; 1060 Davie, 604-331-8267)

2. Solaris Sun Lounge (1740 Commercial, 604-215-2792)

Eyewear

1. Bruce Eyewear (219 Abbott, 604-662-8300)

2. Hakim Optical (multiple locations)

3. Mount Pleasant Optometry (tie) (104 E. Broadway, 604-874-7302)

3. Image Optometry (tie) (multiple locations, 604-310-3937)

Yoga Studio

1. Open Door Yoga (multiple locations)

2. Bikram (multiple locations)

3. Moksha Yoga East Vancouver (2560 E. 15th, 604-569-3300)

Fitness Facility

1. Latin Fitness Ztudio (5595 Kingsway, 778-995-9426)

2. Spartacus Gym (1522 Commercial, 604-254-6267)

Hidden Gem

1. Salade de Fruits Café (1551 W. 7th, 604-714-5987)

2. Culprit Coffee Company (2028 Vine, 604-730-0133)

3. Ethels Boutique (2346 W. 4th, 604-736-0910)

Womens Apparel

1. Nicole Bridger (2151 W. 4th, 604-730-1129)

2. Anthropologie (tie) (2912 Granville, 604-734-2529)

2. Plenty (tie) (1107 Robson, 604-689-4478; 2803 W. Broadway, 604-736-4484)

3. Gravity Pope (tie) (2205 W. 4th, 604-731-7673)

3. Spank (tie) (multiple locations)

Mens Apparel

1. Harry Rosen (650 W. 41st, 604-266-1172; 700 W. Georgia, 604-683-6861)

2. Ray Rickburn Fine Mens Apparel (2100 W. 4th, 604-738-9177)

3. Hills Of Kerrisdale (2125 W. 41st, 604-266-9177)

Vintage Clothing

1. In Again (1962 W. 4th, 604-738-2782)

2. Second Suit For Men and Women (tie) (2036 W. 4th, 604-732-0338)

2. Dragon and Phoenix (tie) (3510 W 41st, 604-261-1317)

3. Immersion Clothing (2846 W. Broadway, 604-739-7633)

Unique Gifts

1. Walrus (3408 Cambie, 604-874-9770)

2. Briers Home &amp; Gift (2070 W. 4th, 604-730-0379; 2025 W. 4th, 604-738-0379)

3. Oh My Gift (2235 W. 4th, 604-733-0008)

Kids Store/Apparel

1. Kidsbooks (3083 W. Broadway, 604-738-5335)

2. Hip Baby (2110 W. 4th, 604-736-8020)

3. Kaboodles (multiple locations)

Home Décor

1. Briers Home &amp; Gift (2070 W. 4th, 604-730-0379; 2025 W. 4th, 604-738-0379)

2. West Elm Market (tie) (2915 Granville, 604-734-9302)

2. Restoration Hardware (tie) (2555 Granville, 604-731-3918)

3. Meuse Boutique (207 Abbott, 604-558-0712)

Organic Produce

1. Whole Foods (multiple locations)

2. Choices (multiple locations)

3. Greens Organic and Natural Market (1978 W. Broadway, 604-568-3079)

Local Grocer

1. Choices Market (tie) (multiple locations)

1. Whole Foods (tie) (multiple locations)

2. Stongs Market (4560 Dunbar, 604-266-1401)

3. Greens Organic and Natural Market (1978 W. Broadway, 604-568-3079)

Local Butcher

1. Jacksons Meat and Deli (2214 W. 4th, 604-738-6328)

2. Market Meats (2326 W. 4th, 604-737-0905)

3. Petes Meat (2817 Arbutus, 604-730-1661)

Ethnic Foods Store

1. Parthenon Supermarket (3080 W. Broadway, 604-733-4191)

2. African Breese Imports (3654 W. 4th, 604-620-5435)

3. Persia Foods (2827 W. Broadway, 604-558-4866)

Bakery

1. Beaucoup (2150 Fir, 604-732-4222)

2. Terra Breads (2380 W. 4th, 604-736-1838)

3. Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery (tie) (3385 Cambie, 604-873-9993)

3. Edible Flours (tie) (2280 W. Broadway, 604-734-8351)

Ice Cream/Gelato Shop

1. Marios Gelati (78 E. 1st, 604-879-9411)

2. Rain or Shine Ice Cream (tie) (102-1926 W. 4th Ave, 604-428-7246)

2. DQ (tie) (multiple locations)

3. Menchies (multiple locations)

Seafood shop

1. 7 Seas (2328 W. 4th, 604-732-8608)

2. Finest at Sea (4675 Arbutus, 604-266-1904; 1805 Mast Tower, Granville Island, 604-684-4114)

3. Seafood City (tie) (1689 Johnston, Granville Island, 604-688-1818)

3. The Lobster Man (tie) (807 Mast Tower, Granville Island, 604-687-4228)

Cheese Shop

1. Les Amis du Fromage (1752 W. 2nd, 604-732-4218; 843 E. Hastings, 604-253-4218)

2. Benton Brothers Fine Cheese (multiple locations)

3. Pane E Fromaggio (4532 W. 10th, 604-224-1623)

Neighbourhood Restaurant

1. The Naam (2724 W. 4th, 604-738-7151)

2. Rocky Mountain Flatbread (1876 W. 1st, 604-730-0321; 4186 Main, 604-566-9779)

3. Burgoo Bistro (multiple locations)

Burgers

1. Veras Burger Shack (multiple locations)

2. Romers (1873 W. 4th, 604-732-9545; 1039 Mainland, 604-559-7210)

3. Modern Burger (tie) (2507 W. Broadway, 604-739-0005)

3. White Spot (tie) (multiple locations)

Pizza

1. Rocky Mountain Flatbread (tie) (1876 W. 1st, 604-730-0321; 4186 Main, 604-566-9779)

1. Nats New York Pizzeria (tie) (2684 W. Broadway, 604-737-0707; 1080 Denman, 604-642-0777)

2. Martinis Restaurant (151 W. Broadway, 604-873-0021)

3. The Bibo (1835 W. 4th, 604-568-6177)

Vegetarian

1. The Naam (2724 W. 4th, 604-738-7151)

2. Heirloom (1509 W. 12th, 604-733-2231)

3. Dharma Kitchen (3667 W. Broadway, 604-738-3899)

Breakfast

1. Sophies Cosmic Café (2095 W. 4th, 604-732-6810)

2. Jethros Fine Grub (3420 Dunbar, 604-569-3441; 3455 Fraser, 604-620-5292)

3. Sunshine Diner (2649 W. Broadway, 604-733-7717)

Brunch

1. Sophies Cosmic Café (2095 W. 4th, 604-732-6810)

2. Aphrodites Organic Café &amp; Pie Shop (3598 W. 4th, 604-738-5879)

3. Fable (1944 W. 4th, 604-732-1322)

Weekday Lunch

1. Tractor Foods (1903 W. 4th, 604-222-2557)

2. Burgoo Bistro (tie) (multiple locations)

2. Earls (tie) (multiple locations)

3. Edible Canada (1596 Johnston, Granville Island, 604-682-6681)

Dinner

1. Fable (1944 W. 4th, 604-732-1322)

2. Earls (tie) (multiple locations)

2. Vijs (tie) (1480 W. 11th, 604-736-6664)

3. Bishops (tie) (2183 W. 4th, 604-738-2025)

3. East is East (tie) (3243 W. Broadway, 604-734-5881)

Dessert

1. True Confections (3701 W. Broadway, 604-222-8489)

2. Thomas Haas (tie) (2539 W. Broadway, 604-736-1848)

2. Sweet Obsession (tie) (2611 W. 16th, 604-739-0565)

3. Edible Flours (2280 W. Broadway, 604-734-8351)

Date Night Spot

1. Bishops (2183 W. 4th, 604-738-2025)

2. Café Regalade (2836 W. 4th, 604-733-2213)

3. Oakwood Canadian Bistro (tie) (2741 W. 4th, 604-558-1965)

3. Kits Daily Kitchen (tie) (1809 W. 1st, 604-569-2741)

Coffee Shop

1. Starbucks (multiple locations)

2. Tim Hortons (multiple locations)

3. Wicked Café (1399 W. 7th, 604-733-9425)

Late Night Dining

1. The Naam (2724 W. 4th, 604-738-7151)

2. Abigails Party (1651-1699 Yew, 604-739-4677)

3. Local Public Eatery (2210 Cornwall, 604-734-3589)

Pub/Bar

1. The Bimini (2010 W. 4th, 604-733-7116)

2. Local Public Eatery (2210 Cornwall, 604-734-3589)

3. Coppertank Grill (3135 W. Broadway, 604-731-6565)

Beer/Wine Store

1. Legacy Liquor Store (1633 Manitoba, 604-331-7900)

2. Firefly Fine Wines and Ales (2857 Cambie, 604-875-3325)

3. Biminis Liquor Store (2018 4thW, 604-738-2714)

Travel Agency

1. Flight Centre (multiple locations)

2. Expedia Cruiseship Centres (multiple locations)

3. Travel Masters (1604-1166 Alberni, 604-568-3944)

Bikes

1. Ride On Again (tie) (2255 W. Broadway, 604-736-7433; 3463 Main, 604-738-7734)

1. Ace Cycles (tie) (3155 W. Broadway, 604-738-9818)

2. Dizzy Cycles (1856 W. 4th, 604-739-6848)

3. Reckless (tie) (110 Davie, 604- 648-2600; 1810 Fir St, 604-731-2420)

3. Different Bikes (tie) (1421 W. Broadway, 604-737-2344)

Pet Supplies

1. Tisol Pet Nutrition &amp; Supply Stores (multiple locations)

2. Bosleys by Pet Valu (multiple locations)

3. Woof! Dog Shoppe (1905 W. 1st, 604-568-4212)

Hardware Store

1. Canadian Tire (multiple locations)

2. Home Hardware (multiple locations)

3. Gandys Home Hardware (tie) (2262 W. 4th, 604-733-8014)

3. Kerrisdale Lumber (tie) (6191 W. Blvd, 604-261-4274)

Auto Repair

1. Pawlik Automotive Repair (30-966 SW Marine, 604-327-7112)

2. Minit-Tune (multiple locations)

3. Varsity Automotive (2880 Arbutus, 604-736-8494)

Tailor

1. Kerrisdale Tailors (2082 W. 41st, 604-266-6422)

2. Oakridge Tailors (5534 Cambie, 604-325-0545)

3. Threads Fashion Alterations (3170 Cambie, 604-708-4689)

Cobbler

1. Quick Cobbler (430 W. 2nd, 604-682-6354)

2. Davids Shoe and Leather Repair (2712 W. 4th)

3. Varsity Shoe Repair (4519 W. 10th, 604-224-3615)

Dry Cleaner

1. Tuesdays (2396 W. 4th, 604-733-4613)

2. Fletchers Fabricare (2096 W. Broadway, 604-731-9313)

3. Village Cleaners (tie) (1637 Manitoba, 604-707-1111)

3. West Boulevard Cleaners (tie) (6174 E. Blvd, 604-261-0003)

Dental Clinic

1. La Vita Dental Care (2259 W. 4th, 604-256-1459)

2. Arbutus North Dental Centre (1926 W. 4th, 604-256-1455)

3. Kits Family Dental (209-2223 W. Broadway, 604-738-1816)

Florist

1. Blumen Floral Boutique (438 W. 8th, 604-708-0882)

2. Flowerz (2883 W. Broadway, 604-742-1000)

3. Garlands (2950 W. Broadway, 604-739-6688)

Hair Salon

1. Hype Hair Studio (2695 W. 4th, 604-732-4973)

2. Sukis (multiple locations)

3. Caramel Salon (tie) (2342 Granville, 604-731-5112)

3. Halo Salon (tie) (2771 Arbutus St, 604-730-1355)

Nail Salon

1. Sparkle Nail Salon (1228 W. Broadway, 604-739-9269)

2. Pure Nail Bar (tie) (multiple locations)

2. Kitsilanails (tie) (102-2065 W. 4th Ave, 604-739-7979)

3. Posh Digits (2026 Stephens, 604-736-6245)

Tanning Salon

1. Suntopia Tanning Studios (1915 W. 4th, 604-734-9467)

2. Fabutan Tanning Salon (2915 W. 4th, 604-734-0816)

3. Zen Sun Spa (tie) (2782 W. Broadway, 604-732-1444)

3. Kix Tanning Studio (tie) (2803 W. 16th, 604-737-1101)

Eyewear

1. Avenue Eyecare (2041 W. 41st, 604-558-1133)

2. Della Optique Optometry &amp; Eyewear (tie) (2589 W. Broadway, 604-742-3937)

2. Spectus (tie) (2209 W. 4th Ave, 604-730-0503)

3. West 10th Eyes (4357 W. 10th, 604-224-2322)

Yoga Studio

1. YYoga (multiple locations)

2. Semperviva Yoga (multiple locations)

3. Bikram Yoga Vancouver (multiple locations)

Fitness Facility

1. Steve Nash Fitness (299-555 W. 12th, 604- 876-1009)

2. Ron Zalko Fitness (1807 W. 1st, 604-737-4355)

3. Ted Loo Fitness (555 W. 8th, 778-859-9348)

Hidden Gem

1. Tangos Gourmet Meats (865 Denman, 604-681-2121)

2. Eye Kandee Lingerie (1685 Davie, 604-559-7467)

3. Acacia Fillo Bar(1103 Denman, 604-633-3884)

Womens Apparel

1. Aritzia (multiple locations)

2. Plenty (1107 Robson, 604-689-4478; 2803 W. Broadway, 604-736-4484)

3. The Quick Nickel (1778 Davie St, 604-689-8910)

Mens Apparel

1. Boys Co (multiple locations)

2. State of Mind (1100 Davie, 604-682-7116)

3. Topdrawers Apparel (115-1030 Denman, 604-684-4861)

Unique Gifts

1. The Chocolate Mousse Kitchenware (1553 Robson, 604-682-8223)

2. Homewerx (1053 Davie, 604- 682-2204)

3. Little Sisters Book &amp; Art Emporium (tie) (1238 Davie, 604-669-1753)

3. Room In Order (tie) (1055 Davie, 604-684-8884)

Home Décor

1. Homewerx (1053 Davie, 604- 682-2204)

2. CB2 (1277 Robson, 604-669-9797)

3. Room in Order (1055 Davie, 604-684-8884)

Organic Produce

1. Whole Foods (multiple locations)

2. Kins Farm Market (multiple locations)

3. Market Place IGA (multiple locations)

Local Grocer

1. Whole Foods (multiple locations)

2. West Valley Produce (1156 Bute, 604-669-5612)

3. Safeway (multiple locations)

Local Butcher

1. Tangos Gourmet Meats (865 Denman, 604-681-2121)

2. Robson Public Market (1610 Robson, 604-682-2733)

Ethnic Food Store

1. Ayoubs Dried Fruits and Nuts (W. 4th, 604- 558-2933; 986 Denman, 604-732-6887)

2. Aria Market (837 Bidwell, 604-569-1744)

3. Konbiniya Japan Centre (1238 Robson, 604-682-3634)

Bakery

1. Cobs (various locations)

2. Breka Bakery and Cafe (6533 Fraser, 604-325-6612; 818 Bute, 604-620-8200)

3. Terra Breads (multiple locations)

Ice Cream/Gelato

1. Marble Slab (541 W. Broadway, 604-568-9007; 103-1184 Denman, 604-682-4998)

2. Bella Gelateria (1001 W. Cordova, 604-569-1010)

3. Mondo Gelato (1094 Denman, 604-647-6638)

Cheese Shop

1. European Delicatessen (1220 Davie, 604-688-3442)

2. Tangos Gourmet Meats (865 Denman, 604-681-2121)

Neighbourhood Restaurant

1. Le Parisien (751 Denman, 604-687-1418)

2. Adesso Bistro (1906 Haro, 604-568-9975)

3. Lolitas (1326 Davie, 604-696-9996)

Burger

1. Veras Burger Shack (multiple locations)

2. Fatburger (multiple locations)

3. Whitespot (multiple locations)

Pizza

1. Nats New York Pizzeria (2684 W. Broadway, 604-737-0707; 1080 Denman, 604-642-0777)

2. Nook (781 Denman, 604-568-4554)

3. Olympia Pizza (tie) (3205 W. Broadway, 604-732-5334)

3. Rebellious Tomato Gourmet Pizza (tie) (721 Denman St, 604-707-4992)

Vegetarian

1. Smak Healthy Fast Food (1139 W. Pender, 604-559-7625)

2. Panz Veggie (1355 Hornby, 604-266-3637)

3. Green Leaf Salad Bar (560 Bute, 604-677-5650)

Breakfast

1. Joes Grill (multiple locations)

2. Central Bistro (1072 Denman, 604-689-4527)

3. De Dutch (410 W. 2nd, 604-569-0477)

Brunch

1. Forage (1300 Robson, 604-661-1400)

2. Joes Grill (multiple locations)

3. Milestones (tie) (multiple locations)

3. Score on Davie (tie) (1262 Davie, 604-632-1646)

Weekday Lunch

1. Cactus Club (multiple locations)

2. Upper Deck Kitchen &amp; Taphouse (1239 Davie, 604-685-5761)

3. Beyond Restaurant &amp; Lounge (1015 Burrard, 604-684-3474)

Dinner

1. Cactus Club (tie) (multiple locations)

1. Forage (tie) (1300 Robson, 604-661-1400)

2. La Brassiere (tie) (1091 Davie, 604-568-6499)

2. Banana Leaf (tie) (multiple locations)

3. Stephos Souvlaki Greek Taverna (1124 Davie, 604-683-2555; 1359 Robson, 604-685-9977)

Dessert

1. True Confections (3701 W. Broadway, 604-222-8489)

2. Thierry (1059 Alberni, 604-608-6870)

3. Nero Belgian Waffle Bar (1703 Robson, 778-712-0694)

Date Night Spot

1. Cactus Club (multiple locations)

2. Nook (781 Denman, 604-568-4554)

3. Le Parisien (tie) (751 Denman, 604-687-1418)

3. Espana (tie) (1118 Denman, 604-558-4040)

Coffee Shop

1. Starbucks (multiple locations)

2. Blenz (tie) (multiple locations)

2. Delanys (tie) (1105 Denman, 604-662-3344)

3. Melriches Coffeehouse (tie) (1244 Davie, 604-689-5282)

3. Milano Coffee Roasters (tie) (156 W. 8th, 604-879-4468)

Late Night Dining

1. Lolitas (1326 Davie, 604-696-9996)

2. Espana (1118 Denman, 604-558-4040)

3. Upper Deck Kitchen &amp; Taphouse (1239 Davie, 604-685-5761)

Pub/Bar

1. Score (On Davie, 1262 Davie, 604-632-1646

2. Fountainhead Pub (1025 Davie, 604-687-2222)

3. Upper Deck Kitchen &amp; Taphouse (tie) (1239 Davie, 604-685-5761)

3. Bayside Lounge (tie) (1755 Davie, 604-682-1831)

Beer/Wine Store

1. Marquis (1034 Davie, 604-684-0445)

2. West End Liquor Store (tie) (961 Denman, 604-683-1929)

2. Coal Harbour Liquor Store (tie) (1218 W. Pender, 604-685-1212)

3. Denmans Wine &amp; Spirits (111A-1033 Denman, 604-633-1863)

Travel Agency

1. Flight Centre (multiple locations)

2. Finisterra (1-800-806-0761)

3. Travel Masters (200-2678 W. Broadway, 604-659-4150; 1604-1166 Alberni, 604-568-3944)

Bikes

1. Denman Bike Shop (710 Denman, 604-685-9755; 2607 Main, 604-559-9494)

2. Spokes Bicycle Rentals (1798 W. Georgia, 604-688-5141)

3. English Bay Bikes Rentals (1754 Davie, 604-568-8490)

Pet Supplies

1. Bosleys by Pet Valu (multiple locations)

2. Big Dog Little Dog Bakery (985 Denman, 604-568-5540)

3. Bark and Fitz (561 Cardero, 604-568-6096)

Hardware

1. The Little Hardware Company (1320 Davie, 604-687-6285)

2. West End Paint and Hardware (835 Bidwell, 604-633-1941)

3. Home Hardware (multiple locations)

Tailor

1. Simdys Fashion Alteration (1062 Davie, 604-633-0828)

2. Vivien Fashions (1180 Bidwell, 604-684-0712)

3. Rose Stitch (116-1030 Denman, 604-488-1464)

Cobbler

1. Denman Shoe Repair (982 Denman, 604-681-7294)

2. Royal Centre Shoe Doc (1200-1055 W. Georgia, 604-689-3386)

3. Davie Shoe Repair &amp; Luggage (1248 Davie, 604-687-3024)

Dry cleaner

1. Swan Laundry (1352 Burrard, 604-684-0323)

2. Laundry Valet Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning (1238 Davie, 604-568-2020)

3. Polo Cleaners (1247 Davie, 604-681-0722)

Dental Clinic

1. Aarm Dental Group (multiple locations)

2. Langston Raymond Dentistry (512-1033 Davie, 604-687-1008)

3. English Bay Dental Centre (1653 Davie, 604-688-9678)

3. Westend Dental Centre (tie) (123-1030 Denman, 604-662-3333)

Florist

1. My Florist (779 Denman, 604-688-1717)

2. Get Fresh Flowers Inc (1688 Davie, 604-685-3500)

3. Davie Flowers (1139 Davie, 604-685-9111)

Hair Salon

1. Sukis (multiple locations)

2. Enchanté Hair (1687 Davie, 604-669-9166)

3. Volume Studio (tie) (1209 Bute, 604-559-5977)

3. Axis (tie) (1386 W. Pender, 604-609-3535)

Nail Salon

1. Absolute Spa Group (multiple locations)

2. Cranberries Spa (330 Robson, 604-696-9191)

3. Spirit Nails (tie) (1725 Robson, 604-806-6336)

3. Fingertips Design Studio (tie) (1226 Davie, 604-682-8477)

Tanning Salon

1. Banana Tans (148 E. Broadway, 604- 872-8267; 1060 Davie, 604-331-8267)

2. Tan de Soleil Sun Tan Studios (210-911 Denman, 604-689-5110)

3. Sunshine Tanning Studios (1208 Davie, 604-687-1035)

Eyewear

1. Urban Eyes (1620 Davie, 604-899-8899)

2. Eyes on Burrard (tie) (1493 W. 12th, 1- 888-292-6125)

2. English Bay Eye Worx (tie) (1112 Denman, 604-685-7001)

3. Abasa Optical (1037 Davie, 604-687-3937)

Yoga Studio

1. YYoga (multiple locations)

2. Bikram Yoga (multiple locations)

3. Robson St. Yoga (1610 Robson, 778-888-9642)

Fitness Facility

1. YMCA (multiple locations)

2. Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness (tie) (50-1055 Canada Pl, 604-558-1600)

2. Denman Fitness (tie) (1731 Comox, 604-688-2484)

3. West End Community Centre (870 Denman, 604-257-8333)

Vancouver Sun: Kinnie Starr at QAF

Kinnie Starr: Home is everywhere. Juno-nominated artist takes fringe cultures to the cutting edge.

By Francois Marchand, Vancouver Sun, July 26, 2013

Kinnie Starr
Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. | Roundhouse Performance Centre
Tickets: $5 (youth), $20 (adult) in advance at queerartsfestival.com

For Kinnie Starr, it’s a portable life.

Whether in Penetanguishene, where she has been caring for her father, or Vancouver (where she lives) or somewhere in between, the Juno-nominated artist is finding her roots by being rootless, and it’s a theme that comes across quite clearly on her latest album Kiss It, out in August.

“I wanted to call the record ‘Home Is Everywhere’ (the title of the album’s leadoff track) because I made this record by myself with my computer, a guitar, a keyboard and some drums,” Starr said in a recent phone interview. “My portability influences my art.

“It really strikes me the more mature I become as an artist, the more I study my craft, that the ability to make art in quiet places and to take your art with you where you go is major gift. It’s really amazing to find roots wherever you are and to think, ‘I belong here.’”

After thumbing her nose at laptop culture and electro influences with her guitar-centric, Chin Injeti-produced album A Different Day (2010), Kiss It sees Starr return to her hip-hop foundation with a self-produced album that is entirely hers.

Kiss It is a big, brash statement on art, nature, gender identity, sexuality and the politics tied within all of them.

It’s not surprising then to see her premiere her new album at this year’s Queer Arts Festival, an event whose theme —and main art exhibit, curated by Paul Wong — is “TransgressionNow.” (Note: Although the festival runs as the same time as Pride, the two are not officially connected.)

“Queer cultures are leading cultures,” Starr said. “Native culture is the same way — women’s culture as well. Any kind of fringe culture can see from the outside in. I feel like I owe a lot to the queer community for developing my career. When I first started making music I came out of visual arts, making this guerrilla street art and queer-positive art. That lesbian community and feminist community was built into what I did.

“I have an allegiance to the queer community also because I’ve been in love with women,” she added. Currently married to a man, actor Stuart Pierre, Starr has been vocal about her bisexuality in the past. “I know what it feels like to be afraid to kiss my girlfriend in a parking lot because I don’t want my teeth knocked out. It’s not that way in 2013 any more because it’s popularized and more accepted.”

Kiss It will be included in the price of admission for all that go see her performance on Aug. 2, almost three weeks ahead of its official release on Aug. 18.

The concert at the Roundhouse Community Centre will also feature cellist Cris Derksen and Starr associate and Sto:lo DJ Ostwelve manning the decks.

Kiss It’s album cover, which features a naked Starr clutching a rifle while lounging on a couch in her old family cottage with her back to the camera, is a strong statement about the human body and about natural beauty as art.

But more than anything, Kiss It, in all its raw, ragged electro hip-hop glory, is also a testament to Starr’s cultural heritage (which includes Aboriginal roots), and a salute to parents who have always been much more conservative than she is.

“My mom has said to me several times recently that she feels so lucky to know someone like me because I’m the only person she knows that thinks way ahead of the curve, whether it was nutrition or gay rights or native rights,” Starr said. “I think whatever reservation my parents once had about me as an artist have been dispelled by seeing my concerns now part of current media.

“I feel a lot of responsibility,” she said when asked if it was strange to suddenly see herself as a role model for her own parents. “My father is an alcoholic and an addict and that’s why I was (in Penetanguishene) for two years. I wish I could do more to help him. I just feel proud that I was able to put that time into my father and my mother and be there for my family. I’m really happy (about being a role model to them). I’m kind of a fringe thinker and I’ve been that way since I was a kid. Finally as an adult I’m able to articulate that stuff to my parents.”

Starr said she was not one to sit idly in front of the TV as a kid, always looking for something to do or a place to go, memories that pepper a song like We Just Want To Play.

Body Like A Queen, the album’s leadoff single, sees Starr take a stand against what she deems to be the pervasive, corrupted view of the female body that is perpetuated in the media and skews our understanding of what the human machine really is.

But while she makes a strong stand on Kiss It, expressing opinions she said she fears may clash with hip-hop’s mostly male audiences, she ultimately hopes for people to feel “joy and contemplation.”

“We are all looking for the same thing: Love, acceptance, some harmony in our personal lives,” Starr said. “But we’re so f—ed right now because of media culture and music video culture. I try to listen to music without looking at videos and I think that we would all have so much more fun if we didn’t stare at computer screens all the time.”

How do I transgress thee? Let me count the ways… One more week!

We are now 7 days away from the opening night of the 2013 Queer Arts Festival: TransgressionNow.

Hope y’all are coming down to our Art Party! Wednesday July 24, from 7-10pm at the Roundhouse, because it’s gonna be a blast. The opening night gala is always a queer-tastic, inclusive, all-ages event for everyone to see some art and build community. Proudly sponsored by Health Initiative for Men(HIM).

And the Art Party! is just the tip of the iceberg. For almost three weeks, we are presenting an incredible array of shows, workshops and outreach activities. Check out all our events on our website or on our Facebook page.
 
Reflection/Refraction

If you like the weird and the wonderful, the unexpected and fresh, then make sure you come to this evening of transdisciplinary performance art inspired by short queer films. queerartsfestival.com/event/reflection-refraction

Reflection/Refraction flips the gaze of the artist. Cellist Cris Derksen drapes her layers of sound around the flirty awkwardness of Narissa Lee’s The Bus Pass. David C. Jones develops gender musings through physical theatre with a tip of the heel to The Hawker by Elisha Lim and Coco Riot. Mette Bach evokes complex personal histories in contrast to Kent Monkman’s playful cultural critique Dance to Miss Chief.

Dancer Ralph Escamillan holds Clark Nikolai’s Galactic Docking Company gently and pushes far beyond the reaches of space. Mr Cobalt 2013, Tran ÀPus Rex, challenges the dragged-up Herr by John Greyson with choreography by Vancouver’s Joe Laughlin.

Reflection/Refraction is curated by Kristina Lemieux, Artistic Producer of Brief Encounters, and Jen Crothers, artist and filmmaker (Butch Tits), who share a love of queer interdisciplinary arts.
Buy tickets now: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/407953
Queer Migration and Homing:
A g/local world cafe dialogue

To broaden the impact of our commissioned opera When the Sun Comes Out, QAF is partnering with Rainbow Refugee to engage in community outreach programs; giving voice to a wide range of true-life stories surrounding the issues raised by the opera: homophobic violence, migration, and the search for community and home. We invite you to come and just listen or share your own story.

Speakers: Tehseen A. (Rainbow Refugee), Chris Morrissey (Rainbow Refugee), Dai Kojima (UBC, Liu Institute), Fatima Jaffer (Trikone, UBC)

Dialogue Facilitators: members of Our City of Colours, My Circle, Queer Migration Collective, Rainbow Refugee, and cast and creators of When the Sun Comes Out

Sunday July 28, 5-7pm, at the Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, 2nd Flr, Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street.

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Pride Legacy Awards
We are PROUD to announce that two of our 2013 curated artists, Joe Average and SD Holman, are finalists for a a Pride Legacy Award, for their contributions to Art in Vancouver.

Presented by Vancouver Pride Society and TELUS, the awards ceremony will take place this Sat. July 20 at the Imperial, and will be hosted by Fred Lee. See Facebook event

View our TransgressionNow Curated Visual Art Exhibition, showing July 24 – Aug 9 in the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall, to see their work.

Congrats and good luck!

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GayVancouver.Net is yet another homo-fabulous new Media Partner this year, and we just loooove all the twitter buzz and editorial they’ve been providing this year!

GayVancouver.Net (Gay Vancouver Online) is Vancouver’s LGBTQ online guide. Check it out: gayvancouver.net

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Become a Pride in Art Patron
Imagine a world without homophobia — then help make that world a reality.

Whether you make a one-time gift, or commit to sustain the festival with a monthly contribution, your tax-deductible donation helps QAF commission and incubate cutting-edge new queer work, nurture the next generation of queer talent, and to celebrate with the wider world the best our communities have to offer.

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

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How do I buy tickets?
Buy in-person at Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium, 1238 Davie St.

Purchase online through Brown Paper Tickets!

Or, take your chances and purchase from Box Office the night of the show. Opens 30 minutes before showtime, accepts cash only.

Festival passes
A screamin’ deal – 4 shows for $69 (excluding the Big Gay Sing, surcharges apply to Kinnie Starr/Cris Derksen, and When the Sun Comes Out). To assure seating, QAF passholders can book available shows online up to 72 hours in advance. Or live dangerously and come with your pass when the box office opens.

$5 youth tickets
(24 and under)
Available for select shows, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the TD Come Out for Art youth ticket program.

Two weeks until 2012 Queer Arts Festival!

RaNDoM acTS oF QueeRnNeSS,
July 31 – August 18.
 

What are you most excited to see?
The Visual Art Exhibits? Queer Theatre? Contemporary Dance? Cutting-edge musical premieres? Or off-the-wall variety shows?! Maybe you want to take in a workshop or two…

Whatever your fancy, make sure you get your tickets- on sale at Little Sister’s Bookstore, through brownpapertickets.com, or at the door 30 minutes before showtime (subject to availability)

And don’t miss the Art Party! Opening Night Gala, Tuesday July 31st! Be there, or be… well, square.
 

Read the complete e-newsletter (with images) HERE

2 weeks until opening night! Yamantaka//Sonic Titan is coming…

Holy guacamole, TransgressionNow opens in two weeks!! Tickets are already selling fast, so don’t wait or it might be too late.
We have something for everyone: quirky contemporary dance, comic theatre, indie rock, gay sing-alongs, dramatic opera, and cutting-edge visual and new media art the likes of which even NYC hasn’t seen! (well maybe, but not exactly. Y’know what I’m sayin’?)
So mark your calendars and buy your tickets — you won’t want to miss anything!

Yamantaka//Sonic Titan

Presented in partnership with the Powell Street Festival

“One of the most exciting bands on the planet.” – NOW Magazine (Toronto)

Founded in late 2007 by performance artists Alaska B and Ruby Kato Attwood, YT//ST is an Asian, Indigenous and Diasporic experimental Art and Music Collective. Aesthetically, they blend the diverse styles of Noh, Chinese Opera, Chinese, Japanese and First Nations Mythology, Black & White Television, Psychedelia and Rock Operatics into a sensory feast. One thing’s for sure — this performance will be out of this world!

About their 2011 album, YT//ST:
“This is the kind of record that happens when city dwellers in two of the most multicultural urban areas of the world mix up gender, culture and genre with a sense of urgency. This sounds like the birth of a new culture.” – David Dacks, Exclaim!

Roundhouse Performance Centre, Sat. August 3
Tickets: $5 youth, $20 advance, $25 at door.
Youth tickets made available through the TD ‘Come Out For Art’ Youth Ticket Program.

Buy your tickets now:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/414781
Get your dance on with George Stamos

This workshop environment will be a safe, mature, and queer place to learn skills and strengthen abilities. The way Stamos teaches is designed to develop the critical eye and awareness of methods for creating spontaneous, mindful movement in performance.

The class includes contemporary interpretations of African dance principles and somatic principles Stamos uses to choreograph/dance. Participants should be able to walk vigorously, be adults, open to improvising, and be in relatively good shape. Dancers and non-dancers equally welcome. Cost: $10.

Stamos is performing his critically acclaimed duo Liklik Pik at QAF on July 26; this workshop gives audience members inspired by the show the opportunity to dance with him the following day.

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East Side Re-Rides
We wanna heap some love sauce on another one of our fantabulous sponsors, East Side Re-Rides!

East Side Re-Rides is the only dedicated second-hand leather store in Metro Vancouver. Re-Rides sells and consigns new and used leather clothing and motorcycle gear.

Oh ya, and the owner is HAWT.

East Side Re-Rides: Consignment Motorcycle Apparel, Leathers & then some!

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Volunteer Orientations
Come on down to the Roundhouse Community Centre for the first orientation tonight, Wed Jul 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Second orientation meeting is Sat Jul 13 from 2:30 – 4:40 pm.

It’s a great way to help make the festival magic happen, meet some new peeps, and enjoy a few other perks.

Visit: queerartsfestival.com/volunteer for more info

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We are also thrilled to give a shout out to the Westender, who has come on as a Media sponsor this year.

Happy to be working with you! www.wevancouver.com

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Become a Pride in Art Patron

Imagine a world without homophobia — then help make that world a reality.

queerartsfestival.com/donate

One month ’til we unleash our queer art on Vancouver!

Check out the complete QAF line-up online
at queerartsfestival.com

Cutting-edge new media art, a gay pig-boy dance duet, gender bending performance art and the world premiere of a lesbian opera… where else can you find this spectrum of culture and entertainment but at the 6th annual Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver, BC!

Don’t miss our Art Party! Opening night gala, Wednesday July 24 from 7 – 11pm in the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall. This is your chance to view TransgressionNow, the curated visual art exhibit, the Pride in Art Community Art Show, and mingle with the Vancouver queer arts community. With live performances, life drawing, decadent delectables and effervescent bevvies, let’s see how gay it gets…!
Proudly sponsored by Health Initiative for Men.Online ticket sales begin atmidnight tonight (June 21) at brownpapertickets. Just go to queerartsfestival.com and click on your favourite events to buy tickets.

Kinnie Starr’s official album launch concert!

Kinnie Starr is one of Canada’s most adored and critically acclaimed underground musicians, heralded for her authentic voice. Starr relies on “raw feral talent” (Globe and Mail), solid groove, and a love for wordplay whether performing sensual and literate hip-hop, heartfelt guitar songs or spoken word. She has been blazing trails since 1996 with her beat slamming recordings, outspoken race and gender politics, intelligent and edgy visual art and striking looks.

Starr is now releasing her 6th album ‘Kiss It‘. Entirely self-produced, the record is based on sparse, fresh, new wave electro hip hop beats created by Kinnie herself. Since hip hop tends to cater exclusively to homogenized male sexuality, Starr has chosen to base her new album on positive female sexuality. A sense of inquiry about what ‘home’ is dominates the album content as a reflection of our globally minded thinking. And of course, Starr’s signature, sensual, singspeak rap style is the backbone of everything. Concert ticket price includes CD!

A rising star on the Canadian world / classical / folk / electronica scenes, award-winning cellist Cris Derksen is known for building layers of sound into captivating performances. Her music braids the traditional and contemporary in multiple dimensions, weaving her traditional classical training and her aboriginal ancestry with new school electronics, creating genre defying music. Derksen recently released a new album, ‘The Collapse‘ – “an evocative and highly atmospheric album that taps into everything from classical music history to environmental issues.” (CBC Music)

Sharing a strong interest in landscape and heritage both physically and sonically, they are a perfect match for exploration and creative discovery. This performance will also include their new collaborative project, BEAMS.

At the Roundhouse Performance Centre, Friday August 2.
Tickets: $5 youth, $20 advance, $25 at door.
Ticket price includes CD!
Youth tickets made available through the TD ‘Come Out For Art’ Youth Ticket Program.Tickets go on sale tonight at midnight! (June 21):
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/407960

As our Community Partner, together with the Vancouver Pride Society we are also offering a combination ticket for $30 that gets you into the Davie Street Party after the concert!For complete event listings on all our performances and workshops, visitqueerartsfestival.com

Let’s be Social

We know you already love us. So Like and Follow us too!—————————–

‘Come Out for Art’
TD Bank Group has come on board to generously sponsor our youth tickets.

This inaugural youth ticket program, ‘Come Out for Art’, will provide affordable $5 tickets to select QAF shows for youth under age 24.—————————–

We want to thank everyone SO MUCH who voted for belle ancell’s photo submission in the TELUS Give Where We Live contest.

Her photo, taken at last year’s Art Party, made it into the Top 5 of the popular vote. We are still waiting to hear the results, but if belle wins, she will donate the $10,000 prize to the Pride in Art Society!!

belle has been a volunteer photographer for QAF since 2011, and a featured artist in the PiA Community Art Show as well.

This year, her evocative photographs are a part of TransgressionNow, our visual art exhibition curated by Paul Wong and Glenn Alteen.

We love you belle!
belleancellphotography.com—————————-

Our esteemed Artistic Director, Shaira Holman, has been nominated for a Pride Legacy Award, for her contribution to Art in Vancouver.

These awards are meant to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Rainbow Flag, with each colour representing a different meaning.

Presented by TELUS, the awards ceremony will take place July 20 at the Imperial, and will be hosted by Fred Lee.

Congrats and good luck, SD!————————–

QAF would like to spread some love to our homo-tastic media sponsor, Xtra!

Now in its 20th year of publishing, Xtra is Vancouver’s premier gay and lesbian newspaper.

Every year they provide excellent coverage of the festival, and have supported our efforts from the beginning. Thank you!!

Artful indeterminacy

Vancouver’s Queer Arts Festival is anything but random

The Queer Arts Festival (QAF) may be only five years old in its current incarnation, but it’s throwing a centenary birthday bash.

The birthday boy, free-form experimental artist John Cage, will make a posthumous appearance along with his more structured contemporary Pierre Boulez in QAF’s Boulez Contra Cage, adapted from correspondence between the two queer composers.

A fusion of theatre and musical performance, the piece, subtitledInterdisciplinary Argument for Two Musicians and Two Actors, mines the friendship and artistic debate Cage and Boulez engaged in between 1949 and 1954. Those unfamiliar with the composers’ music can expect to be pushed in new directions.

In further tribute to Cage’s penchant for what he called indeterminacy in art, QAF entitled this year’s artistic showcase Random Acts of Queerness.

“We often do a play on words,” artistic director SD Holman points out. “People can go with it in the literal sense, whether it’s the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence skating down Davie St . . . or Kelowna, to interpreting it in a formal sense and using it as a way of breaking free of habit and risking the effects of something random.”

It’s a challenge to artists to look at their work through a different lens, whether their work is on canvas, on stage, in music or any other media. “The artists are really excited by it. All of the artists are taking very different tacks on the theme,” Holman says.

Vancouver’s three-week celebration of queer art, which was recently granted charitable status, showcases 150 artists, featured in visual art shows, workshops and performances.

Unless otherwise noted, all performances take place at the Roundhouse Performance Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. For more information, go to queerartsfestival.com.

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Thanks, but no thanks

Thank You, You’re Not Welcome is a simpler, edgier, more personal reconfiguration of Noam Gagnon’s 2010 dance piece 10 Things You’ll Hate About Me.

“It’s more like a Brothers Grimm fairytale now,” says the dancer and choreographer.

Distilled from the thick, seam-broken journals filled with Gagnon’s musings and artwork, Thank You is part autobiography, part fantasy-merging-with-life story about a Quebec youth struggling with poverty, incest, alcoholism and his coming of age.

“There’s the moment of awareness, the moment of facing the demons, facing the reality of what you’re made of, and also where you came from,” Gagnon says.

“The thing I find fascinating about this is that it doesn’t matter if it happened 30 years ago. It happened 100 years ago, and it still happens today. Some stories just keep repeating themselves,” he says. “It’s about saying, ‘I’m grateful for what happened, but this needs to stop. It’s almost like saying, ‘Fuck you.’”

It’s a cycle Gagnon manages to arrest through dance. “There’s a moment of transcending. His desire to dream really leads him to believe that there’s something more, and the possibility of survival is great.

“I’m playing a character that is beyond me, that hopefully has an element that is about everyone else,” he adds.

“It’s the kind of work that brings you right into your guts and right into your imagination. It’s not an intellectual story.”

Thank You, You’re Not Welcome will be performed Fri, Aug 3 at 7:30pm.

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Law of Proximity is an attempt to explore, through contact dance, issues of intimacy, touch, safety, communication and identity, say MACHiNENOiSY’s co-artistic directors, Delia Brett and Daelik.

For Daelik, contact dance, with its emphasis on shared physicality and improvised movement, opens avenues for sensual, intimate communication, without being sexual.

“When I got involved in theatre and dance, touching took on a whole new meaning for me,” Daelik explains. “As a teen, touching can be a volatile subject. For kids who are not straight, it’s doubly difficult because there is taboo sexuality associated with it.”

Conceived three years ago, Law of Proximity is a collaboration between queer youth and professional artists within a workshop setting to create a performance that is youth-driven.

Mostly in their 20s, participants have been pulled from Qmunity’s GAB Youth, Capilano University, Purple Thistle and previous workshops.

“We want it to come from the youth. Whatever we do, whatever we create, that queerness is going to come from them,” Brett says.

“The themes that have been coming up are identifiers, the names we call ourselves and the names that people call us,” Brett says.

“We asked about positive, negative or neutral labels that we associate with either being gay, being queer or being an outsider,” Daelik adds.

“Another issue has been homophobia, what that looks like nowadays — this subtle non-violent communication that communicates homophobia,” Brett says.

“They’re going to use the skills of contact to embody whatever it is that we end up creating and maybe improvise some of the moments within that.”

Law of Proximity runs Wed, Aug 15 to Sat, Aug 18 at 7:30pm, at the Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St.

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Lesbian drama humour

Lesbian relationships “are great fodder for humour,” says Jan Derbyshire. “I think we have our own way of doing things.”

Derbyshire’s new play, workshopped at the Queer Arts Festival two years ago, premieres on Aug 9 and stars local comedian Morgan Brayton.

“I wanted to look at a couple who had been together for a long time but still had to deal with the question of marriage, now that we’re allowed to follow a more linear progression in our relationships,” Derbyshire explains.

What about those people who don’t want to get hitched, she wondered. Is that a commitment issue or just how some queers roll?

Out came Turkey in the Woods, in which one half of a long-term lesbian couple is always threatening to leave, while the other half has a driving need to tie the knot traditionally.

The comedy lies in the conflict, Derbyshire says, “and how long we stay in therapy, how long we stay connected to our past, how we’re allowed to repeat the same pattern over and over again,” she adds.

“I wanted to look at all the myths but also the jokes around the myths,” she says, such as serial monogamy, relationships with roughly three-year life spans, the we-all-know-each-other and we’ve-all-slept-together scenarios. Oh . . . and don’t forget the less-than-reputable therapists who hang on to their patients, co-dependent-style.

There’s some truth in all of that, Derbyshire says, but the missing pieces are the relationships that do work.

Turkey in the Woods runs Thurs, Aug 9–Wed, Aug 15, various showtimes.

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Fundamentalia’s limited freedom

Billed as Canada’s first lesbian opera, Rachel Rose’s When the Sun Comes Out follows three people trying to fully be themselves in Fundamentalia, a constrictive cultural landscape that doesn’t allow them that freedom.

As they search for limited opportunities to express themselves, two of the characters — the married couple, Lilah and Javan — are immersed in the lies they believe they have to tell to survive. The surprise is they’re hiding behind the same lie, director Robert McQueen says.

“They have betrayed the oath that they have taken with each other in their marriage, and by force, they have lived in fear of what they feel and what they have experienced.”

In part, disruption enters in the form of the tomboyish Solana, a young woman implicitly from “the West” whose teacher-student relationship with Lilah evolves into an intimate one. Having tasted the forbidden, Lilah and her marriage are left in a state of chaos. “The obvious choice would be for the women to leave,” McQueen points out.

With her ingrained sense of personal and sexual freedom, Solana is accustomed to packing up and leaving when things get tough in her world. Except she has bonded with Lilah.

“By the end, the three realize their strength is in forming a community and living within that,” McQueen says.

Still, there are no guarantees.

A workshop performance of When the Sun Comes Out will take place on Thurs, Aug 2 at 7:30pm.

Victory for queer artists and lesbian opera world premiere!

Canadian Heritage funding victory!
Most of you will be aware that the last month has been a roller coaster ride for us at QAF. In April, we received word from Canadian Heritage that they were withdrawing their funding of the 2013 festival. This came as a shock, without warning or explanation, after a very successful three-year partnership with them. So we turned to you for help.

We launched our publicity campaign via social media, online petition, and mail on May 1st. The public outcry was incredible! Two days later, on May 3rd, the Ministry contacted Artistic Director Shaira Holman and informed her that 75% of our funding would be restored. This quick turnaround is very rare; of the dozens of arts organizations that have lost their federal funding, we know of only ONE other festival that has had their funding cut and reinstated in the same year.

So basically, this is a huge victory for QAF and all queer artists, and we have YOU to thank for this positive outcome!

Thank you for all the Tweets, Posts, Shares, Likes, and signatures on the online petition. This groundswell of support proves the importance of QAF’s programming and artistic vision, and the social impact of our outreach activities.

This turn of events however, still leaves us with a $10,000 shortfall. We need your support now more than ever. Please become a monthly donor to the Pride in Art Society, or make a one-time donation to our Legacy Fund.

Donations of ALL sizes are gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated.

Pride in Art is a registered charity, and issues tax deductible receipts for all donation $20 or more. Haven’t claimed a charitable donation since 2007, or never? Then you may be eligible for the First Time Donor’s Super Credit! See more info on our Donate webpage. https://queerartsfestival.com/donate
Lesbian opera marks world premiere

Our flagship show this year is the staged premiere of composer Leslie Uyeda and poet Rachel Rose’s opera When the Sun Comes Out. Commissioned by QAF, this ground-breaking new work makes history as Canada’s first lesbian opera, that is, by lesbians writing about love between women. This piece was met with great enthusiasm at last year’s sold-out workshop performance.

A story of forbidden love, divided loyalties and culture clash, the opera sensitively explores the oppression that queers face, and the risks they take, in nations where homosexuality is illegal. When the Sun Comes Out is being brought to life by director James Fagan Tait, rising star soprano Teiya Kasahara, mezzo-soprano Julia Morgan, and baritone Aaron Durand.

We are partnering with Rainbow Refugee in outreach programs that will engage diverse communities by sharing real-life stories that echo the opera’s themes. We would also like to thank our other community partners: Vancouver Opera, Powell Street Festival, Vancouver Foundation, Hamber Foundation, and the Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation.
Festival Lineup June 1st
OMG, we are only two weeks away from announcing the full festival line up on our website!

So watch out for the launch notice on our social media portals, and then check out queerartsfestival.com
HiM sponsors Art Party!

We are tickled pink to partner with HiM as the official sponsor of our opening night Art Party! July 24, 2013.

HiM is a community- based organization dedicated to strengthening the health and well-being of gay men. Their approach includes physical, sexual, social and mental health.

checkhimout.ca

As one of the best-attended visual arts events in Vancouver, Art Party! celebrates the premiere evening of the Visual Arts Exhibit and the PiA Community Art Show, and the opening of the Queer Arts Festival.

Featuring live performances, life drawing, decadent delectables and effervescent bevies… let’s see how gay it gets!

Deadline for PiA Community Art Show extended!
Due to all the distractions in the past few weeks, we have decided to extend the deadline to submit to the Community Art Show to June 15.

This show will exhibit visual art works by queer artists in any medium for the duration of the festival, July 24 – August 9, in the main hall at the Roundhouse Community Centre.

QAFs East Van
East Van Graphics, that is! Once again we are partnering with EVG for all our festival print material.

Soon our sexy posters and programs will be unleashed upon the city for your public and private enjoyment.

Keeping it queer and local, yo. eastvangraphics.ca

QAF’s federal funding cut by $44,000: How you can help

QAF’s federal funding was cut by $44,000, without warning or explanation, just 3 months before the festival is due to start. We have asked the Minister of Canadian Heritage through a twitter campaign to restore our funding – and it seems to be working! He’s promised to take a second look at our file. We urgently need support on twitter, showing the minister that there is public support for queer arts.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. URGENT: Help our Twitter campaign reach far and wide.
Our tweets have already started to have an effect. The Minister has responded with a tweet: “to get my staff to take a second look at the file and see why it was not approved”

So, we now have a less then 24-hr window to get out as much twitter support as possible. If you’re on twitter, please tweet something like:

@JamesMoore_org- please restore @CdnHeritage funding to @QAFVancouver! #artsfunding

@JamesMoore_org- rétablir s.v.p. le financement @Patrimoinecdn de @QAFVancouver! #artsfunding

2. Mail a letter.
Yes, snail mail. Actual hand-written letters from concerned constituents get more traction than online “armchair advocacy”- and you don’t have to pay for a stamp if you’re in Canada! Address:

Hon. James Moore
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

3. Like and share our posts on Facebook.
Connect with us @ facebook.com/qafvancouver

4. Donate.
We need your support now more than ever. Please become a monthly donor to the Pride in Art Society. 333 new monthly $10 donors could completely replace the funds lost in Heritage’s decision, and lay a strong, sustainable foundation for QAF’s future.

Pride in Art is a registered charity, and issues tax deductible receipts for all donations $20 or more. Haven’t claimed a charitable donation since 2007, or never? Then you may be eligible for the First Time Donor’s Super Credit! See more info on our Donate webpage. https://queerartsfestival.com/donate

5. Sign our online petition.
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/please-restore-canadian-heritage-funding-to-pride-in-art-society.html

This is also posted all over our social media. Please share widely.

Thank you for your help in rallying against this funding cut. We are determined to go ahead with our 2013 festival, TransgressionNow. With the support of our audiences and artists, the queer communities and the public at large in the Vancouver and beyond, we will rise to this challenge!

Federal funding partially restored- but we still need your help

This year QAF lost $45,000 of federal funding, and regained $35,000 due to a groundswell of support. For the backstory, see our previous post.

Huge thank-yous to everyone who advocated on the festival’s behalf. This is YOUR victory!

QAF Programming and Legacy Fund

Help us fill QAF’s $10,000 funding gap, and build a Legacy Fund to weather any future storms.$25 pays for an accessibility pass to a show$250 lets a youth participate in one of our workshop programs$5000 lets us put on a show and helps us plan for the future

Donations of ALL sizes are gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated.

Click here to donate now.

Open letter to Minister James Moore: Please restore Canadian Heritage funding to PiA

Dear Minister Moore ;

The Pride in Art Society has just received word that Canadian Heritage is withdrawing funding for the 2013 Queer Arts Festival (QAF), 3 months before QAF is scheduled to open. This is a devastating and startling blow to the festival, as Canadian Heritage has funded QAF through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program every year since 2010.

Canadian Heritage grants to QAF have grown steadily by about 10% annually; by 2012 the nearly $44,000 grant constituted almost half of our government funding, and 17% of our total budget. When asked the reasons for the cut, Canadian Heritage representatives declined to give any details. When further pressed to explain how we could improve for next year, representatives insisted there were no specific areas of concern. We find ourselves baffled, because by every other indication, QAF is stronger than ever.

Since incorporating as a not-for-profit in 2006, the QAF has grown 20-fold in size, and in that time has presented over 600 artists, produced more than 100 events, and incited the creation of dozens of new works in every artistic genre and attracted broad audiences including families of all kinds. QAF is BC’s only multi-disciplinary arts festival dedicated to celebrating queer art and artists, showcasing the unique creative expressions of the queer communities — people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirited and intersex.

We are the only festival of our kind in Canada to feature curated visual arts alongside the performing arts and workshops for youth and adults. Pride in Art’s report to Heritage for the 2012 festival showed significant increases in attendance, number of artists presented, government grants and support from the community. These increases are striking given the difficult economic climate, in which many respected arts organizations are showing declining numbers. Our 2013 Heritage application included testimonials from youth explaining that their participation in QAF workshops had given them the confidence to stand up to bullies, and from straight audience members saying QAF’s programming had given them “a stunningly powerful opportunity to connect with the anguish faced by the LGBT community in our own society and in those with much more restrictive laws and norms.”

The Vancouver Province praised QAF’s 2012 programming as “some of the most adventurous of any local festival.” QAF’s 2013 programming has generated unprecedented excitement, garnering grants from the Vancouver Foundation, the Hamber Foundation, the Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation, the Telus Community Board, and the Business for the Arts ArtsVest program. These are all highly competitive programs, all enthusiastically supporting QAF’s mandate and programming.

During a period when BC arts organizations have been struggling with declining grant revenue, Pride in Art’s government funding has been doubling annually, showing strong support for our mandate by the Canada Council, the BC Arts Council, BC Gaming and the City of Vancouver. Our 2013 grant assessment from the City read:

“The Assessment Committee considered the programming to be of high artistic merit, demonstrated by a strong curatorial vision in its presentation and through its recent efforts in commissioning new work. They noted a capable and committed staff and board team that was well-organized with good planning practices in place. The committee also recognized strong community support through its numerous volunteers and partnerships, as well as having strong community impact through its accessibility and outreach to queer youth.”

QAF has received similarly admiring support letters from many organizations and individuals which we would be happy to share with you, including Vancouver Opera, the Powell Street Festival, Roundhouse Community Centre, Rodney Sharman, Vancouver Symphony composer emeritus, UBC Professors David Metzer and Rena Sharon, and Leslie Dala, Vancouver Bach Choir Music Director, Associate Conductor of Vancouver Opera.

Our growth and development would not have been possible without the funding support of government organizations like Canadian Heritage. Thus, it was with shock and disappointment that Pride in Art received the news that Canadian Heritage was completely withdrawing its support for this year’s festival, with no clear rationale offered. The decision was made without warning, without any direct consultation at all between Canadian Heritage and Pride in Art staff. It comes at a time when the organization is well advanced in the planning process for this Summer’s festival, and ill-positioned to replace on short notice the funding that Canadian Heritage has traditionally provided. At a time when festival staff need to be focusing on production and publicity, primary efforts will have to be diverted to emergency fundraising, crippling the successful delivery of the festival. A 17% budget cut cannot be absorbed without making drastic choices, and will mean harsh cuts to staff and programming resulting in a corresponding loss of jobs to Canadian workers.

The Queer Arts Festival has a measurable and significant impact on the well-being of the LGBTI communities. By celebrating and showcasing the achievements of historic and contemporary LGBTI artists, we increase pride and self-esteem within the community, respect and understanding in the broader society. By providing a professional venue where LGBTI artists need not self-censor, we foster artistic excellence, because artists create their best work when they can express their whole selves freely — as one of our artists said, “QAF is the only place where I can be completely myself as an artist.” By providing arts training through workshops and arts admin opportunities through volunteer positions, we enhance job skills and self-empowerment for participants. The visibility and recognition created by QAF’s programming can literally save lives: it gives LGBTI youth positive role models, concrete evidence that they are not alone, and a much needed avenue for self-expression. As one of the pieces created in the youth visual arts workshop proclaims in red block letters: “ART SAVED ME.”

QAF also serves a crucial educational role for Canadian society in general, as we saw when a group of teenage boys wandered into the visual arts exhibition after their basketball game. They stood laughing and joking in front of Mary Taylor’s installation piece, “Homophobia Kills,” a hard-hitting work documenting dozens of homophobic murders. When PiA past-president (and high-school teacher) Jeffery Gibson engaged them in discussion about the piece, they grew thoughtful and quiet. A half hour later, they returned bringing several other friends, with whom they shared Gibson’s description of the work and its importance. Before our eyes, these youth had transformed from bullies to advocates: concrete evidence that Pride in Art’s work builds empathy.

PIA staff has sought, but to date has failed to obtain, a meeting with your office to seek a clear explanation of the rationale for this decision. After much thought and careful consideration, we are writing this open letter to you, Minister Moore, in order to ask, on behalf of the audiences and artists that we serve, why Canadian Heritage’s support of PIA has been withdrawn? What Canadian Heritage funding criteria has PiA been meeting for the past 3 years that it no longer meets?

We ask that you meet with us at your earliest possible convenience to discuss the Ministry’s rationale for withdrawing the funding that Canadian Heritage has provided, and that Pride in Art has relied upon for years, as well as the potential damage that this withdrawn funding threatens to inflict upon an organization that the Canadian public demonstrably supports. We also respectfully ask that you reconsider the decision and reinstate Heritage’s financial support for the Queer Arts Festival, so that we can continue to present relevant, transformative and groundbreaking art to Canadian audiences.

Sincerely,

SD Holman
Artistic Director, Pride in Art Society

A Hustler’s Memoir and romance at the AGM!

AGM announcement

This will serve as official notification to Pride in Art Society members of the forthcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on TUESDAY APRIL 30, 2013 at the Roundhouse Community Centre, Room B, 181 Roundhouse Mews (Pacific and Davie). 7pm.
Exciting festival updates, sizzling financial reports, and getting down to official business! (last year there was candles, wine, chocolate and cheese… which is why some people said it was the most romantic AGM ever!)

Attendance at the AGM is a key factor to some of our funders, so you can help support queer art in Vancouver just by coming to a party (with a little bit of meeting thrown in). Come hear about the new developments at Pride in Art, including what’s around the corner for our 2013 Queer Arts Festival, TransgressionNow.

Membership renewal and sign-up 7:00-7:15
Reports and election of the board 7:15-8:00
Party 8:00-9:00

Hope to see you there!
 Writing Workshop with Amber Dawn
TONIGHT, Friday April 12th, is the launch party of Amber Dawn’s latest book, “How Poetry Saved My Life: A Hustler’s Memoir.” If you can go, you should! Check it out. If you can’t make it, after feeling sorry for yourself you can purchase the book online… and you can also look forward to her writing workshop and literary event at this year’s QAF!

“Tough Language & Tender Wisdoms: A Memoir Writing Workshop for Trangressive Voices”
This workshop invites participants to write under-told and boundary-pushing stories from their personal experience, and to develop strategies to creating safe and celebratory spaces for these stories to be heard.

Whether participants are interested in formally writing their memoirs or writing is a part of self-discovery, this workshop will offer foundational memoir writing exercises. Participants should come prepared to share, listen and take risks.

Amber will also be hosting an literary evening of reading from her new book, along with one or two other exceptional authors, with a discussion on telling “uncommon truths” and existing in unconventional queer communities. More details on this event to come.

 
Deadline to submit to PiA Community Art Show is May 1st!
The Queer Arts Festival is happy to again present the Pride in Art Community Show. In the Great Hall of the Roundhouse, outside the main Exhibition Hall, the PiA Community Show will exhibit visual art works by queer artists in any medium for the duration of the festival, July 24 – August 9.Queer Fruit

Thanks to our partnership with The Cultch and IGNITE!, we get to pluck the hottest young artists from the FRUIT BASKET to participate in a six-week project, developing a show for the Queer Arts Festival, where the youth will explore themes of sex and gender.Think performance art meets indie rock spiced with Burlesque dancers interjected with slam poetry. FRUIT FLAMBÉ will run July 29 & 30, 2013.

To get a sneak peek of this emerging talent, FRUIT BASKET happens Friday May 10, part of the IGNITE! – Vancouver’s largest youth arts festival!

IGNITE! features shows in music, dance, visual arts and much more- all created by local artists between the ages of 13-24. Presented by The Cultch, May 6-11, 2013.

igniteyouthfest.ca

 
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