Our Signature Events
One of the ways ArtsConnect "connects people through the arts" is through special events and activities. We use these opportunities to make the arts more accessible within our community.
Known for our innovative approach, we've initiated events that have grown and evolved into perennial favourites. In other cases, we're happy to act as a catalyst to launch events that others go on to champion. We also bring an arts element to events presented by community partners. Collectively we call these gems Our Signature Events.
Whatever the event, whoever the organizer, you'll see our bright purple banners displayed at many community events, letting people know they've come upon an arts or cultural happening worth checking out. Read on to discover some of the events we've been involved in, and for more information on any of these topics, click on the event's title.
- ARTISTCIRCLES
An ArtsConnect original, this is our way of connecting creative minds of all disciplines and cultural backgrounds for support, inspiration and collaboration. We started this special network in January 2007 and our monthly sessions connect newcomers with other artists in our midst. We've helped to facilitate submissions for group shows and members have pooled talents and resources for special projects. ArtistCircles continues to be a fun and successful collaboration between artists of diverse cultural, professional and artistic experience and we invite you to participate. You can find out more about this innovative group by clicking here. To download a registration form, click here.
- ARTIST TRADING CARD SESSIONS
ArtsConnect helped bring Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) to Port Moody, resulting in a special exhibition at the Blackberry Gallery. What are Artist Trading Cards? They're small and unique 2-D works of art that are made to trade.There are no restrictions of medium; materials range from collage, drawing and painting, stained glass and metal to fabric and wax to computer generated imagery and photography. The possibilities are endless! ATC’s are intended to be a non-commercial, non-hierarchical avenue for artistic exchange. Cards are traded one for one and all people of all ages and artistic abilities can participate. ATC’s may be originals, a series, edition or a multiple. ATC events are planned according to interest, so if you want to participate, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- ARTWALK
Each year ArtsConnect provides a win-win opportunity: for artists to display their work and for the public to meet local artists and view their work in home studios, local heritage buildings and shops. 
This fun and FREE self-guided Studio Tour is a great way to explore the creative talent of local artists of all mediums. It also gives participants a chance to talk to artists in an informal and sometimes unusual setting. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for that special piece of art for yourself or someone on your gift list. Thinking about participating as an artist in 2010? Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or download our Registration Form.
- CITIES OF ART
ArtsConnect helped link artists from Port Moody, BC with artists in New Plymouth , New Zealand resulting in Cities of Art: An International Accord. This grassroots initiative started with a virtual exhibition in August 2006, featuring the work of 15 artists from Port Moody and 15 artists from New Plymouth. 
Another show followed at the Blackberry Gallery, featuring over 30 artists in August/Septmeber 2007. Artists Dale Coupland and Mili Pirpil from New Plymouth came to Port Moody to open the show and invited ArtsConnect to reciprocate at the next joint Cities of Art Exhibition. Click here to read more.
- CULTURAL SHARING INITIATIVE
Many of the talented artists living in our region hail from other parts of
But there are barriers that exist that make this process difficult, so we initiated a research project through ARX - Action Research Exchange at SFU to help us find ways to engage newcomers and new immigrants into our community, with particular focus on the arts community. Click here to find out what we’ve learned, how we've implemented the research, and recommedations for others wanting to reach out in their communities. Want to know more about ARX? Click here.
- MOVING THE ARTS FORWARD
Each year we coordinate a series of professional development workshops and educational sessions to help local artists develop the skills they need to further their craft personally and professionally. Previous Moving the Arts Forward sessions have been a great opportunity for participants to learn something new, make their own Artists Trading Cards, meet other people interested in the arts and network with local artists. 
Past workshops have included Marketing for Artists & Artisans, Photographing Your Art, and Welcome Aboard!, an info session for potential non-profit Board Members. We're always looking for new topics to present, so if there's something you want to learn, let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . To learn more about previous Moving the Arts Forward workshops or read some of our tutorials, click here.
- OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
Not only do we connect people throught the arts, we also connect artists and comunity groups of all kinds to opportunities here and abroad. You can find out more about current opportunities by clicking on Calls for Talent, check out Olympic Opportunities in anticipation of the 2010 Olympics by clicking here, and for Member Groups who want to engage in SFU's ARX Research Exchange Program, click here.
- PLAYERS, PAINTERS & POLITICIANS
During the 2005 Provincial Election, ArtsConnect initiated an arts-focused all candidates meeting, gving the community a chance to hear the candidates share what the arts meant to them and answer questions about their support for arts and culture. 
Bringing arts and culture to our own event, the evening included a few 'random acts of entertainment' and a collage creative session, and after the election each of the winning candidates received one of the collages created. Visit their offices to see them proudly displayed.
- QUICK FLICK CHALLENGE
ArtsConnect hosts this fun annual event in which participants of all ages and abilities write, shoot and edit a 5 minute film based on an "inspiration package" over the course of a single weekend each February. Why can't every weekend be this exciting? To learn more about the Quick Flick Challenge, click here.
- SWAP-O-RAMA-RAMA
ArtsConnect is working with Douglas College to present Swaporamarama, a fabulous event that gives participants a chance to swap some old clothes for new ones, and 'art'ivate their finds through sewing, painting, silkscreening and more. The next event runs on October 23 in the Main Atrium of Douglas College's David Lam Campus. There will be equipment, materials and experienced help on hand. For more information, or to get involved, drop us a line at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- TREEFEST
This fun, FREE event is a community favorite, combining art, music, history, and horticulture on the beautiful Riverview Hospital grounds, 240 acres of green space and historical buildings. Each year ArtsConnect invites artists to participate by displaying their art, which can be offered for sale and with guided tree tours, live entertainment, children's crafts and activities and more, this is an event not to be missed. For more info, click here.
- THE WEARABLE ARTS AWARDS
ArtsConnect served a a catalyst bringing this innovative event idea to the Port Moody Arts Centre Society. Inspired by WOW - World of Wearable Art Awards in New Zealand, this event continues to grow in popularity. The event encourages a variety of local, Canadian and International artists of all mediums to submit evocative, imaginative and thought provoking creations for the human body. 
Entries from previous years have ranged from an outfit made of woven weeping willow branches to a bra produced from pop bottles and Swiffer dusters. Each year the entries are limited only by the imaginations of the artists who choose to participate in the competition. To learn more about the Wearable Arts Awards, click here.