Are you looking for a local experience that is educational without being boring? City On Edge is the latest exhibition at Museum of Vancouver, showcasing 100 years of protest history in Vancouver. It is based on the book of the same name, which was published by Greystone Books, and was written by by retired Vancouver Sun research librarian Kate Bird. Ms. Bird co-curated it with MOV’s curator Viviane Gosselin.
It is an immersive and interactive experience. Images and videos of historical protests are projected on the wall. The sounds and songs of protests are played so it feels like you are right there in the thick of it. The art gallery stairs, the site of many significant protests and demonstrations, were reproduced, with chalk available for visitors to write their own message expressing support for a cause. There is also a digital graffiti brick wall. Guests can take a plastic spray paint can and tag the wall with their message. The wall can then be cleared for the next visitor to tag.
There are so many striking aspects to this exhibit, including the photo assignment cards from the local paper, a pink hat from the Women’s March. It also ties into the Unbelievable exhibit with the mascot and counter-mascot from the Olympics. It is a sensory learning experience and very much evokes the feelings of being a part of a movement – many movements in fact. It is so fascinating to see our city’s history, our moments that captured Vancouverites fighting for what they believe in.
City On Edge will run until February 18, 2018 and copies of the book are available for purchase at the museum.
Here are some images of the exhibit:
Disclosure: The Museum of Vancouver provided complimentary access to view the exhibit, however all opinions are my own.
Alison Tedford is a Canadian freelance writer and mom. She documents her journeys in parenting, mental health and fitness on her blog Sparkly Shoes and Sweat Drops. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @alisontedford
