What is VUSI?
Vancouver Urban Spaces Initiative (VUSI) is committed to utilizing public spaces for the exhibition of music and visual art.
Our inspiration is drawn from other cities around the world that feature registered organizations hosting open-air music events as a regular feature of the Spring and Summer seasons. Picnik Elektronic and Mutek (Montréal), Decibel (Seattle), Communikey (Boulder, CO), and numerous events in San Francisco, New York and Toronto are established events and festivals that promote electronic music in their communities in non-bar/club spaces.
Our goal is to draw people together through cultural events to reacquaint them with different parts of Vancouver and create a sense of community. Choosing spaces that are underused by the local community, our goal is to create events that will encourage people to gather to celebrate while at the same time be reacquainted with our city. The events hosted by VUSI will provide a platform for local musicians and DJs to showcase their talent, while at the same time encouraging Vancouver’s residents to visit and explore the park. The events will create a sense of community, giving people a chance to gather, socialize and experience music in a natural, beautiful and friendly atmosphere. VUSI aims to draw music fans of all types, ranging from the completely uninitiated to the more seasoned with underground local and international music scene, and people who are already supportive of events that promote local music and visual arts.
Past events include the Rooftop Special series held in Summer 2009 at the Scotiabank Dance Centre, in addition to events at the new Cobalt, Silkhaus and East Van Studios, to name a few.
VUSI has already established two events for Summer 2010:
Courtyard Special (July 24 & 31) which will take place in a character courtyard setting.
New Brighton Park Special (August 15) which will be a larger public offering set in the idyllic city park of the same name. We have chosen this park because of its proximity to Downtown, its relevance as a communal landscape that is related directly to the neighbourhood in which it is situated, and its beautiful views of the water and mountains.
By making these events accessible the goal will be to create a new way for people to use these unique city courtyard and park spaces, experience local music, and contribute to a vibrant and evolving cultural landscape.
