VICTORIA, B.C. — The City of Victoria’s Storefront Activation Program is bringing new energy downtown. Three projects are transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant hubs for creativity, learning and community connection.
“These projects showcase the incredible creativity and resilience of our arts community,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “By activating storefronts for art and engagement, we’re enriching the cultural fabric of our city and making space for people to connect.”
Vancouver Island Visual Arts Society (VIVAS) will transform 1101 Yates Street into a 9,000-square-foot creative hub with 20 to 25 affordable artist studios, an exhibition area and space for workshops and artist talks.
Monkey C’s Artcade is expanding with The Alien Lab, a 1,000-square-foot interactive space at 706 Fort Street, opening early 2026. This new zone invites visitors to co-create music and art using salvaged technology in a hands-on, collaborative environment.
Beehive Fibre Arts Centre opened November 17 at 1205 Blanshard Street. The 5,500-square-foot space offers fibre arts classes, workshops and rotating exhibitions through March 2026.
The Victoria Storefront Activation Program is funded through OUR DWTN and Create Victoria to increase access to spaces for arts and culture and provide opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and engage with communities. This initiative supports the City’s strategic priorities of downtown revitalization, cultural vibrancy and economic resilience by transforming underutilized spaces into inclusive, creative hubs.
To learn more and explore events visit victoria.ca/OURDWTN.
Media Contact:
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca