Arc.hive Artist Run Centre
Archive Gallery Profile
Arc.hive Artist Run Centre operates as an arts co-lab supporting the emergence and development of inclusive, collaborative practices in contemporary arts. This includes visual, performative, writing, video, and sound-based work.
The centre first opened in January 2017 with eight studios and a small gallery space. Since then, it has collaborated with the local community to host exhibitions, performances, open studios, juried shows, demonstrations, workshops, classroom visits, MAKESHIFT (Victoria’s first contemporary textiles festival), and the BRIDGE Studio Crawl, all in support of emerging art in Victoria, B.C.
Arc.hive has relocated to 770B Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC. The centre currently provides studio spaces for artists and writers engaged in diverse practices, including installation, sculpture, textiles, painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, and creative writing.
Annual gallery programming includes:
• six independently juried exhibitions
• three studio member exhibitions
• two community-based projects and juried performances
• school visits, demonstrations, workshops
• participation in local festivals and events
Mandate
Arc.hive focuses on:
Supporting emerging contemporary artists committed to their practice
Fostering excellence and professionalism in the visual arts
Facilitating experimental, inclusive, and collaborative practice and exchange among diverse artists, performers, and writers
Inspiring, educating, and engaging the community in visual arts practices
The organization is committed to community arts engagement.
Website: arc-hivearc.org
Organization Details
Tell us about your organization
Installation setup available:
Multi-media capacity, plinths, floorplans, gallery walls, and gallery spotlights.
Artists of interest:
Local artists.
Primary medium/genre focus:
Contemporary art.
CARFAC membership:
Not as an organization, but many co-op members are members individually.
Does your organization offer memberships?
No.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Relationship with local First Nations and Indigenous communities:
Studio artists, gallery artists, and partnerships.
Diversity strategy or anti-racism/decolonization statement:
Yes; available on the website.
Actions and commitments to support relationships with Indigenous artists and communities:
Land acknowledgements on the website and at artist talks and events; encouragement for diverse artists to apply.
Awareness of Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts:
Yes.
Land acknowledgements offered:
Yes, at events and programs, and on the website. Currently being updated.
Identified power dynamics and actions to address them:
The organization has applied for project grants to pay exhibiting artists but has not yet been successful. Applications will continue.
Accessibility:
Map of the space with room and hallway dimensions; the gallery is wheelchair accessible.
Opportunities for emerging artists:
Artist-in-residence programs, exhibitions, mentorships, studio space, workshops.
Submission Process
Exhibition selection process:
Jury invited annually; requests for proposals, calls for submissions, and expressions of interest are used.
Other opportunities for artists to showcase work:
Artist talks, community programming (including member shows), open studios, and workshops.
Supports for exhibiting artists:
Listings and newsletters.
CARFAC Fees
CARFAC fees paid for exhibitions:
Jury members receive an honourarium.
CARFAC fees paid for artist professional services:
Jury fees.
Other Support for Artists
Accessibility supports provided:
Consultations; wheelchair-accessible gallery.
Artist compensation:
Artwork sales and commissions; honourariums.
