VANCOUVER METAL
ARTS ASSOCIATION
Operating & Financial Models for the Vancouver Metal Arts Hub
Part Two of VMAA's multi-phase feasibility study explores what it takes to sustainably operate a culturally safe, artist-run facility. The project is guided by design principles rooted in equity, reconciliation, and long-overdue systems change.
Authored by:
Ingrid Valou, Iris Lo,
Matt Hessey, Cory Douglas
About this phase
This report outlines financial and operational options for a proposed Vancouver Metal Arts Hub. The work builds on community input from Phase One, and provides a blueprint to inform governance, staffing, space usage, and sustainability planning for artist-focused infrastructure.
This study responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (79–83), UNDRIP, and BC’s DRIPA legislation by embedding reconciliation and access as foundational—not decorative—features of space design and governance.
Director's Cut
Study Summary
Areas of Focus
Part Two
Design Principles
-
Cultural safety and universal accessibility
-
Centring Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Urban Indigenous priorities
-
Playing an active and vital role in the community and field of metal and jewelry arts
-
Financial sustainability for operators and users
-
A safe and secure space that meets or exceeds the technical requirements of the field
Operating Plan
-
Operating objectives
-
Facility management, including safety protocols and emergency procedures
-
Notes on equipment usage, booking, or use and donation of member or community equipment
-
Membership types and structure
-
Community management and policies
-
Key staffing requirements
Ecosystem and Gap Analysis
-
Summary of community needs assessment
-
Survey of membership for location and key programming considerations
-
Review of various models and examples of vibrant, shared space
-
Considerations when designing space sand programming for Indigenous Peoples
-
Considerations of business type and governance
Financial Plan
-
Projected operating costs: $430,000–$500,000 annually
-
Revenue from memberships, workshops, rentals, grants, and consignment
-
Emphasis on building capacity before expanding service offerings
-
Sample operating pro format (not inclusive of capital costs)
This report is for
-
Cultural policy-makers
-
Guilds, not-for-profits and artist-run centres
-
Small artist collectives
-
Urban planners and developers
-
Funders, Arts Councils, and Craft Councils
...and more
Our Supporters
This project would not have been possible without the funding from the City of Vancouver (Cultural Services) and the Province of British Columbia (BC Arts Council)
