Image courtesy of Janet Wang

BCA Sun Wah

OPENED: March 2018
TYPE: Production, presentation and administrative space
SQ FT: 49,000 

BCA Sun Wah is a community cultural hub in Vancouver’s Chinatown, developed and operated by BCA. It spans the Lower Ground, 3rd and 4th floors of the Sun Wah Centre at 268 Keefer Street. It is home to many cultural organizations, community groups and artists that share a commitment to being engaged and responsible to Chinatown and the surrounding area's communities. 

Project Operating Principles:

  • BCA Sun Wah is located on unceded Coast Salish shared lands of xwməθkwəyəm (Musqueam), Skxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and strives to be a respectful and collaborative steward in this context.

  • All are welcome regardless of age, socioeconomic status, language, culture or gender.

  • The heritage values and cultural landscape of Chinatown is reflected in our tenanting, programming and spaces. Language accessibility is supported by Chinese-speaking staff and translation.

  • In acknowledgement of the influx of capital we bring to the neighborhood, we share space, information, and resources with our low-income neighbors and support the businesses in the community that are essential to the community.

  • Arts and culture is central to community building and connectedness. Programming offered by tenants and program partners will appeal to a broad range of audiences and experiences to encourage community participation.

  • Community events and collaborative cultural activities and community events are supported by three communal spaces, including a public lounge, community kitchen, and future rooftop garden.

  • A community stewardship model rooted in the cultural context of the Chinatown and DTES neighborhoods ensures tenant and community involvement in project governance and operations.

  • Relationships and partnerships between our tenants and the wider community are built on collaboration, respect, and reciprocity.

 

Community Engagement + Community Steering Committee

Community engagement was an essential part of the project development process.  Starting in December 2016, with the support of June Chow and Carmut Me, BCA undertook consultations with a broad range of local artists, cultural groups, business owners, residents, and other stakeholders on the role of a community arts and cultural space in Chinatown.

Composed of local community members, the Community Steering Committee provided their guidance and expertise on the project’s design and vision, identifying and assessing potential tenants, and sharing information about the project’s goals and progress.

Community Steering Committee members:

Bill Yuen, Heritage Vancouver Society

Yuriko Iga, Owner, Blim

William Liu, Owner, Kam Wai Dim Sum

Terry Hunter, Executive Director, Vancouver Moving Theatre and Artistic Producer, DTES Heart of the City Festival

Al Cheng, Owner, Chinatown Flea Market

Rika Uto, Arts Programmer, Carnegie Community Centre

Kate Armstrong, Board representative, BCA

Acknowledgements