Vancouver is a rapidly growing city and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games have forced it into even more of an accelerated growth. With property prices rising and the homeless situation getting worse, the arts can provide a bridge between the wealthy and poor, by generating communication and thoughtful discussion. However, all too often, the arts communities are the first to get pushed out of their studios when property costs rise. To better preserve the vibrant arts cultures of Vancouver during this time of increased living costs, new opportunities need to be created that fund artists. Galleries are the best way to circulate money back to the artists.
The Vivarium Gallery window was partly established as a response to the difficulty artists encounter when entering the commercial gallery scene. It aims to promote the work of local artists. Commercial galleries are mostly uncomfortable taking risks, preferring to exhibit work by established artists with guaranteed market sales. By keeping to this formula the viewer will often get the feeling that they have seen this image somewhere before. Judging good and bad art by its market value can only sterilize culture. The creation of artist-managed spaces like the Vivarium Gallery, provides local artists with a free alternative to the commercial galleries and offers a potential source of income that can assist emerging artists and the local art scene, supporting their artistic development and helping them to thrive in Vancouver.
