Ever wonder how a former church became a thriving arts hub? That’s the story of The Cultch.
The Cultch stands as Vancouver’s most diverse and innovative arts center. For over 50 years, The Cultch has been connecting communities. It presents unique performances from across Canada and the globe. Its dynamic programming includes theatre, dance, music, circus, and visual arts.
Originally, this building was the Grandview Methodist Church. Erected in 1909, it served the Anglo working-class population. In the 1920s, it became a United Church. But by the 1960s, demographics shifted. The church closed.
In 1968, Vancouver Inner City Services took over. The following year, it became home to the Vancouver Free University. This “free” university rejected elitist ties. It offered a radically independent learning environment. There was no tuition. There were no competitive grades. Instructors taught what they wanted without needing credentials.
The Vancouver Free University embraced the softer side of rebellion. It explored spirituality. Popular classes included print-making, motorcycle repair, and beekeeping. In 1972, the school moved to Commercial Drive. By 1974, it had 3,000 students.
In 1973, the building transformed again. It became the Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Now known as The Cultch, it continues to host innovative theatre, dance, and music. The Cultch has expanded and altered the building since then.
The Cultch is now home to three theatres. These are the Historic Theatre, the Vancity Culture Lab, and the York Theatre. The Cultch also has a gallery. These spaces host vibrant gatherings. They foster lively conversations about presented shows. The Cultch aims to remove barriers to access. They provide ASL interpretation. They also offer free tickets when cost is an issue.
The Historic Theatre is the heart of The Cultch. This original 200-seat theatre has hosted countless performances. Renovations in 2008 transformed it into a state-of-the-art space. It still retains memories of past performances. The Historic Theatre is known for its intimate setting. One person described it as a miniature European opera house in 1973.
According to Chris Wooten, founder of The Cultch, neighborhood support was initially lacking. Their audience was across town. They needed to respect the Grandview Woodlands community. They also needed to attract audiences from the west side. Within a year of opening, The Cultch was fully booked year-round.
Executive director Heather Redfern notes the Cultch’s hard-core East Van spirit. The Cultch doesn’t need to do what other venues do. The Cultch focuses on pushing boundaries. The Cultch reflects the true spirit of East Van. The community is as much a part of the theatre. The theatre is a part of the community.
The Cultch acknowledges that it is on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Musqueam, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Squamish, and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ Tsleil-Waututh Nations.