VIVA Vancouver 2013

VIVA Vancouver, a summer program that transform city streets into art and performance spaces in collaboration with local businesses, returns at the end of this month.

800 Robson Street Summertime Plaza
Each weekend from June 21st and June 22nd until the weekend of August 31st and September 1st, the 800 block of Robson will be closed to vehicular traffic. Last year the Pop Rocks loungers (made from recycled sails from Canada Place) were a big hit in that space. Look for something new this year during and after the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

2011. Photo credit: Maurice Li & Maurice Li on Flickr

2012. Photo credit: Ruth and Dave & Jason Gallant on Flickr

Parklets
Creating little parks where there were no parks before (or in the place of parking spaces), will once again appear. Parklets like the wooden deck outside Cafe Crepe on Robson (Urban Pasture, built by FSOARK) have been in place year-round. There’s also the cedar hot tub-inspired seating by Matthew Thomson and Erika Mashig on East 44th Ave, just west of Fraser. Look for new installations and ways to enjoy public spaces this summer.

Granville Street
Each weekend, from June 29th and June 30th until August 31st and September 1st, Granville will be closed to traffic 24 hours a day between Robson and Georgia. There you will be able to find live music, performances, street markets, dancing, art, and more.

Salsa dancing on Granville. Photo credit: John Bollwitt & John Bollwitt on Flickr

Salsa dancing on Granville. Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

New this year is a QR code treasure hunt of sorts along Granville. I received an email from Muprime Technology, who developed the artistic codes along with the Downtown Vancouver BIA, about how these will be placed around Granville, turning the whole area into an interactive game. Scan a code that you find and it will unlock information about local businesses and prizes.

Follow VIVA Vancouver on Facebook to hear the latest announcements about what we can expect to see around town this summer.