A global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has caused countries and cities to do what they can to mitigate risk of transmission, and the largest step is limiting in-person gatherings.
When you close one door for an artist, they paint another! Creative types in Vancouver and beyond are coming together online to continue to produce digital art and films, and they’ll be showcasing them through streaming festivals and YouTube channels dedicated as quarantine entertainment.
Streaming Vancouver Festivals During COVID-19 Social Distancing
Vancouver Quarantine Performance Project “Just because we can’t all meet face to face, doesn’t mean we can’t create and share art,” says Festival Director Joel McCarthy.
How to participate: Create a 2 minute video and contribute here by April 4, 2020. These are the categories: Original Monologue, Original Song, 2 Minute Speech / Stand up Comedy, 2 minute talent show. Watch online: The content will be streamed April 18 & 19, 2020
Social Distancing Festival Streaming nightly! Including performances from the Metropolitan Opera, and more.
Quarantine International Film Festival 10 Short films from around the globe will be selected to be uploaded to the QIFF Youtube Channel and promoted on social media. This is a “for fun” festival as a way to help people feel creatively fulfilled during isolation caused by COVID-19.
How to participate: Upload your 30 second film by April 1, 2020 Watch online: The content will be streamed on starting YouTubeApril 8, 2020
Know of more? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add the digital ‘fests to the list!
In a time of social distancing and isolation with the COVID-19 outbreak, many attractions and Spring Break activities have been cancelled. If you’re home with the kids all week, or are looking for alternative and educational entertainment to experience from your couch, I’ve found a few virtual museum tours in Vancouver that you can experience.
1920 Granville looking north from Smithe. Photographer Stuart Thomson. City of Vancouver Archives # CVA 99-1287.1
Members of Vancouver’s hospitality community are uniting in solidarity to urge the public’s support of the local independent restaurant and service industry. Here are a few ways to support Vancouver restaurants during COVID-19, as well as those whose livelihoods rely on them.
Update March 18, 2020: Dining in at Vancouver restaurants is currently banned but take-out and delivery is still available.
Members – Breaking Bread Collective of Vancouver Restaurants
How to Support Vancouver Restaurants During COVID-19
If you prefer not to dine out in person:
Order delivery from local restaurants
Write a positive online review
Pick-up your order via take-out
Engage on social media
Subscribe to digital newsletters
Purchase gift cards
Share photos on social media
Breaking Bread Initiative
Comprising 23 local restaurants and counting, Breaking Bread is a newly formed collective that wants to reassure the public that they remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their guests and staff. They will continue to implement all guidelines set out by such regulatory bodies as Vancouver Coastal Health, the World Health Organization and Centres for Disease Control.
On March 12, 2020 BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry gave a directive to Canadians to not gather in groups of more than 250 persons due to COVID-19. With Spring Break coming up and a full slate of festivals and events around Vancouver, a majority of activities have been cancelled. Here is an ongoing/updated list of what’s open or closed in Vancouver during the COVID-19 outbreak in Vancouver:
COVID-19 What’s Open or Closed in Vancouver
Last updated: Friday, March 20, 2020 at 10:00am
The British Columbia government has declared a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This follows a provincial health order to limit gatherings to 50 persons maximum and a recommendation to social distance, staying at least 1 meter away from others.
All bars and restaurants in Vancouver will be closed for St. Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2020). All bars and nightclubs in BC now must be closed (March 18, 2020). Many restaurants are only open for take-out and delivery.
While practicing social distancing, in this time of COVID-19, I’m bringing back the weekly Vancouver photo feature. This series began over 10 years ago as the “From the Miss604 Flickr Pool” roundup of images, and tapered off with the popularity of Instagram. With blossoms, flowers, and a beautiful city around us, let’s take a look outside:
