Vines Art Society is an arts organization born in response to the need for advocacy for marginalized artists and their wellbeing. Through hosting year-round, free-to-the-public events and an annual festival, Vines focuses on presenting the work of artists working towards land, water, and relational justice.

The society’s flagship event is the Vines Art Festival, which this year takes place from August 7 to 17. Indigenous queer musician Edzi’u will perform on August 16; more information on artists and venues will be announced in the coming weeks.

“This year’s festival brings you stories and rituals from the past as a means for building a present and future that is more habitable; as we dream and heal through darkness,” states Vines in a release. “Artists will share and challenge the lore of their lineages: (re)imagining, (re)generating, (re)creating through song, dance, poetry, storytelling, and visual arts.”

This year marks Vines’ 10-year anniversary, which will make the festival extra special. In the lead-up to the festival, Vines will be hosting several free-to-attend events:

Ayibobo III: Little Dollhouse on the Prairie is an experimental dance performance analyzing the intersections of Black and queer identity, presented in collaboration with the Queer Arts Festival.

When: June 15 and 16, 7pm

Where: Roadhouse Performance Hall

Tickets: By donation, available here

DTES Pow Wow: Honouring our Ancestors is a pow wow honouring ancestors—in particular, Vines’ community matriarch, Kat Norris.

When: June 23, 12pm to 9pm

Where: Oppenheimer Park

Admission: Free

Indigenous Resilience is a community food market with live performances, workshops, and accessibly-priced produce. 

When: June 26, 2pm to 5pm

Where: Pandora Park

Admission: Free