On our Stories page, we have put the call out for you to share a story, observation, or idea (big or small) on how you re-imagine downtown Vancouver. In addition to the longer stories that we have been featuring, we have also received several shorter submissions. Here is the fourth round of “quick takes.”
I imagine Vancouver’s downtown as a common gathering place, full of culture and art. Not a dead space where things can be pleasantly quiet, but a place that defines and sets Vancouver apart from the average—just as much as our natural setting and green spaces do.
I imagine a downtown with more public spaces that don’t serve a particular purpose, but rather enable the citizens to create communities and share (like Robson Square where dancers and jugglers gather and have events without any prompting from outside). I imagine a city where alleys are not a dead zone, but a welcoming space. Perhaps galleries, perhaps restaurants, perhaps just walls where graffiti and art is allowed and welcomed to happen.
— Boris Khramtsov
It would be nice to have a place where dancers can call home. It was me and my friend that started the Robson ice rink dance practice more than 20 years ago and to see it now filled with dancers from all over the world come and enjoy it feels amazing.
— Jheric Hizon
I am a working street dancer (hip-hop) in the lower mainland and I go downtown to train, rehearse, and perform. Areas such as Robson Square is very important to my friends and colleagues and more support for the arts in our city would be very beneficial. Events such as the Vancouver Dance Festival has brought in many people from across Canada and the world, young and old to experience dance as a whole. I’ve seen so many non dancers love the event and I believe it should continue to carry on for many years to come.
I definitely promote the arts of any kind to be shown all over the city. We should embrace the culture and welcome tourists into our wonderful city through art.
—Melissa Medalla
Your Turn
Do you have a downtown Vancouver story, observation, or idea (big or small) you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Share your contribution with us on our Stories page. Your contributions will help us re-imagine downtown Vancouver!