>Hidden from view behind Unit/Pitt Projects’ gallery, are the workspaces of over 50 artists, designers, writers, and curators who play an essential role in the cultural landscape of Vancouver. Come November 14th, a selection of their work will be on display to the public in the gallery. Adapting a new symbiotic model which provides administration and start-up funds for the development of artists’ studios as well as affording an artist-run gallery with exhibition space, Unit/Pitt Projects has set out to build a long-lasting creative community at 236 East Pender that provides stable, safe, secure, and affordable workspaces for some of the city’s many cultural producers.

After signing a 15 year lease and taking over the building in May 2013, we immediately started renovations on the building, opening up studios for rent in September of that year. Grasping this opportunity was not effortless: it took long hours of hard work from everyone involved, including our joint venture partners from 221A, and our interns and volunteers; it took some careful control of expenses, and sacrifices here and there; and as always, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our community: artists, curators, studio tenants, donors, cultural workers, and everyone else.

We would like to take this opportunity, one year later, to showcase the work that has gone on behind the closed doors of the studio spaces at 236 East Pender. We will be hosting an exhibition, silent auction, and retail sale in the gallery space to celebrate. The work that will be available for purchase runs the gamut from artist’s books, limited edition prints, handmade t-shirts, to paintings, drawings, sculpture, collage, and 3D printed goods.

This showcase and benefit will take place on Friday November 14th, 7-11pm, in the Unit/Pitt gallery space at 236 East Pender Street. 50% of the sale of each individual artwork will go to the artist, with the other 50% going to building upgrades for the studio spaces. Refreshments will also be available. The exhibition will be open to the public until Sunday, November 23. Check our Facebook event or our Instagram feed for updates, previews, and details.

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