Arts Umbrella Programs

At Arts Umbrella, we believe that art is powerful. Powerful enough to change a young person’s life in incredible ways. This belief is at the core of everything we do.

In April 2021, Arts Umbrella moved into our new home on Granville Island. This 50,000 net-square-foot building dedicated to arts education for young people ages 2-22 features state-of-the-art studio, exhibition, and performance spaces to inspire future generations.

Approximately 200 arts educators and staff lead our programs in Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film. Every day, we witness wonder in our studios, seeing the difference an arts education can make in the lives of young people. Increased confidence, problem solving, self-awareness, compassion, communication, and teambuilding— the benefits are wide-reaching and long-lasting.

Our pre-professional programs attract students from across Canada and around the world. Graduates present their work internationally, leading the way in their industries and promoting Vancouver’s reputation as a centre for the arts. More importantly, students have gone on to become creative and compassionate citizens in whichever paths they choose.

Access to an arts education is a cornerstone of our vision and mission. Today Arts Umbrella reaches more than 20,000 young people across Metro Vancouver annually, with nearly 75% served through bursaries, scholarships, and donor-funded programs. Within the next 3-5 years, our new Granville Island facility will reach approximately 15,000 children and youth each year through tuition-based programs, as well as community programs and performances, distance learning, bursaries, and scholarships.