Vancouver is an artsy city with countless museums and an active creative community famous for Indigenous art in places like the UBC Museum of Anthropology and the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. That said, there are gallery spaces in Vancouver, BC, that will tick any box. Big, small, modern, historic, whatever your art-based interests, you'll find it here.
It's not surprising that Vancouver is the site of many art-themed events that range from birthday parties to cocktail parties to business meetings and conferences. And if you or your guests have a love of art, why not host your next gathering in an intriguing and flexible gallery space?
The easiest way to secure such a location is to download the Giggster app and do a quick search. You'll find everything from a creative hub studio space with retro vibes to homes with impressive gallery walls to blank canvas lofts with floor-to-ceiling windows—and that doesn't even include the actual Vancouver art gallery spots. Have a look and find exactly what your vision requires for a price that won't break the bank.
Selection and affordability are the name of the game with the Giggster app. Find amazing venues like Spacious Space & Theatre in Vancouver, BC with all the features you might need to bring visibility to an emerging artist or celebrate a milestone birthday.
From Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to the Mount Pleasant area to North Vancouver, the Giggster app offers access to public gallery venues and unique spaces throughout the city.
Private parties, corporate functions, and art shows can really range in size, and so do our locations. We have a diverse selection of galleries ideal for guest lists of 30 to well over 100.
Although you'll likely want a special emphasis on the art itself, Giggster has spaces that also incorporate Vancouver's picturesque surroundings into the venue. Search our listings and find spots with outside space and North Shore Mountain views.
Get the flexibility to choose between an art gallery with impressive works by well-known artists like Frida Kahlo, a space with walls full of less-known local talents, or a blank canvas ideal for your own personal exhibition.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Giggster's highly curated selection of 35 unique venues in Vancouver won't disappoint. With this many options, your perfect location for an artsy event on Canada's West Coast is a piece of cake. Have a look at Spacious Space & Theatre in Vancouver, BC, and branch out from there.
Hassle-Free Booking: When you download our user-friendly app or head to the website, it's easy to search for exactly what you want using the filter function. The price, which starts as low as $30/hour, amenities, capacity, and availability are all visible alongside detailed photos. Any questions that remain can be quickly answered with a message to the property host for the ultimate confidence in your booking decision.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We understand that plans can sometimes be uncertain. That's why you have the initial 24 hours after receiving your booking confirmation to change your mind risk-free as long as you secured the gallery at least 48 hours before the planned event.
Platform Protections: With precious art on the walls, damage can be a real concern when renting an art gallery venue. And so can liability. Opt to add coverage for these possibilities and even extend the free cancellation window if needed.
It's not hard to find something to celebrate or promote in a gallery. Any of these events is well-suited to a gallery space in the Greater Vancouver area:
Art Shows – The Best Display Space. Pick a location with blank white walls and the ability to hang your newest pieces. Or, bring other like-minded artists in on the fun for an unforgettable and varied show.
Industry Events – Get Inspired. Looking for a place to host an artistic-themed event? A gallery is the perfect option. Guests can mingle in the ample floor space and bond over a love of the amazing art on the walls.
Corporate Events – Instant Conversation Pieces. Bring the team together for a fun-filled evening of cocktails and fine art. Choose a contemporary art gallery for lots of color and bold pieces or one specializing in Vancouver artists for more of a local feel.
Birthday Parties – Perfect for Any Art-Lover. Host a fun evening in a gallery that combines culture, cocktails, and celebration. Rent tall tables for conversation areas, enjoy shelter from the possible rain, and toast the birthday person in style.
Wedding Receptions – Plenty of Dancing Space. Go for a somewhat unconventional wedding reception venue with a Vancouver art gallery. It'll be easy to create a dance floor due to the minimal furnishings, the decor takes care of itself, and with air conditioning, guests can dance all night.
Whether you're hosting an event featuring recognized contemporary artists, a selection of British Columbia or Canadian art, historical art, or visual art installations, there are some items that may be essential at the venue.
Is there a place to display the creations? For an event where you're planning on showcasing local and international artists, make sure there are things like easels, blank walls, hanging systems, and good lighting.
Does the space offer reliable technology? Many fine contemporary and multi-media art works need technology like lighting, sound systems, and even screens to really shine. Double-check the existence of these types of items, and ensure someone is available as tech support should things go wrong.
Will there be enough space? Consider how many people you're inviting, regardless of the event, and confirm there's room for mingling, eating, and even dancing. Plus, a bar area is a nice addition.
If there are a few cities on your list of potential event locations, make sure that Vancouver fits the bill. Here are some positives and negatives to help you evaluate:
Advantages
When you want to feature multiple artists' work at an art show or are looking for knowledgeable guest speakers, Vancouver's deep pool of designers, artists, musicians, and photographers makes that easy.
As an art-loving city, Vancouver has a ton of different galleries to choose from, so finding a venue, especially with help from the Giggster app, is a breeze.
Vancouver has one of the mildest climates in Canada, so as long as the forecast doesn't call for rain, you can make use of any exterior gallery space almost year-round.
Disadvantages
When your venue is downtown and in other popular neighborhoods, parking is a real challenge. You'll need to find a spot with parking, which isn't the easiest with real estate at such a premium here.
Planning on opening up your event to the public? While the potential visitors are numerous, you'll need to compete with a pretty heavy art-related calendar. Ensure you pick a date where you won't lose guests to things like exhibitions at established galleries, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, and even the Vancouver International Film Festival.
With some of the priciest real estate in the country, Vancouver art spaces will tend to cost more than in smaller, less-expensive cities.
You don't need to be an event planner to organize a successful gathering. But, like the name suggests, a little planning goes a long way, so consider these:
Get the Budget Sorted – Do this early, as the amount you have to spend will dictate all your choices, from food and drinks to decor. In general, artist-run spaces will be more affordable than others, but luckily, you have Giggster to keep the venue costs in check.
Arrange Refreshments – Provided the gallery space allows it, organize a menu full of easy-to-eat appetizers, local wine, and something tasty for dessert. If you want to sample regional favorites, add things like smoked salmon and sushi to elevate the experience.
Promote, Promote, Promote – For events aimed at the public, make sure you get the word out. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and local publications like The Georgia Straight, are exceedingly useful. Plus, you can target the artistic community at Emily Carr or on Commercial Drive in East Vancouver. Highlight the curated exhibitions, historical artworks, or Asian art pieces you'll be displaying to draw attention.
As mentioned, using a location from the Pacific Association of Artist-Run Centres (for example) is more likely to save you money than a for-profit space, but there are lots of ways to get your gallery event costs down. Start with an affordable Giggster location starting at $30/hour, and you'll be on your way to a budget-friendly event.
Would an alternative space work?
Instead of an actual gallery, consider spots like cafés, co-working spaces, or cozy homes. These are not as specific and typically not as expensive. Plus, you'll have a wider selection and generally a bit more flexibility when it comes to furniture and decor.
Partner with other artists.
To share the costs among a few people, approach other creatives like visual artists or those specializing in traditional art and create one wow-worthy art show to draw in a big crowd. You'll divide everything from refreshments to venue costs to cleanup to make things more affordable and easier.
The weekend costs more.
Anytime you schedule events for the weekend, expect to pay a premium. Instead of a Friday or Saturday evening, book the special events venue for a weekday evening. You might even get more people to show up because they aren't already committed to other activities.
Whether your venue needs involve a contemporary art gallery, a funky display space in downtown Vancouver, Granville Island, or Yaletown, or a West End presentation house, gallery options in the area abound on the Giggster app. Book in minutes for a surprisingly affordable price and pull off a fabulous art-filled event.
