Introducing Black Strathcona Resurgence Project
Black Strathcona Resurgence Project (BSRP) is VMF's latest community endeavour, with the goal of reclaiming visibility and reconciling the erasure and systemic racism endured over time by Black people in Vancouver.
VMF is partnering with local Black artists, curators, businesses and communities to embark on a multi-year project centring on Black storytelling through the visual impact of public murals. It is led by Project Manager and Curator Krystal Paraboo in collaboration with a powerful team of Black leaders from different backgrounds who sit on the Advisory Committee to help guide the project from programming to community engagement.
As Guest Curator for VMF 2020, Krystal intentionally focussed on providing opportunities for Black artists to participate. This year, the launch of BSRP will serve as a continuation of her work on a larger-scale. Krystal Paraboo is an art historian, curator and writer who approaches her projects from a community building and anti-racist lens. She has an extensive footprint in Vancouver’s art community, and has recently spearheaded the Power Share Fund with Sector Equity for Anti-Racism in the Arts (SEARA) that raised just over $300k for BIPOC artists in BC affected by COVID-19.
For those wondering why the project is using the term “Black Strathcona,” it is to pay homage to the neighbourhood that was occupied by Vancouver’s earliest Black migrants. Reclaiming visibility also means reclaiming space, and the Black businesses, homes, and community hubs play a massive role in the history of the Strathcona neighbourhood since the late 19th century. Black communities still exist in Vancouver today, but have been dispersed since the Georgia Viaduct was built right through the Hogan’s Alley neighbourhood. Even though the Strathcona neighbourhood and Hogan’s Alley have transformed today with diverse residents, businesses and low-income communities, BSRP will allow the legacy of Vancouver’s Black history to prevail with the goal of fostering these intercultural relations.
We encourage both emerging and established Black-identifying Canadian curators and artists to apply to BSRP (Deadline is April 30th). Regardless of your artistic medium, style and training, we welcome all those interested in applying.
“I am honoured to be leading this important work. Providing opportunities for underrepresented communities and artists is what gives me fulfillment. There are so many talented and hardworking Black creatives in this city and province who deserve equitable opportunities to have their work elevated and supported. I began designing this project back in November, and since then it has been countless hours and conversations with different stakeholders to bring this project to life. I’m grateful to everyone participating alongside us, and look forward to the festival when we can really focus on the community engagement aspect.” - Krystal Paraboo
BSRP plans to launch more than just mural art–expect a summer filled with Black creativity, a range of live performances celebrating Black identities and existence, an opportunity to support Black businesses, and educational workshops to enhance your allyship with Black communities.