You're Invited: Nova Arts Hub Birthday Celebration
This drop-in event is a celebration of all that has been created—and all that is still to come.
Date: June 29th 12pm-6pm
Location: Nova Arts Hub
Admission: By donation (all proceeds support future programming)
What You’ll Find at the Celebration
- The official launch of the art displays for the ‘Reclaiming Space, Reframing Truth’ exhibition
- The official launch of Lajah’s new art series titles, ‘I Returned, and the Spirits Were Still Speaking’
- Creative Corner
- Art vending (Lajah’s new and old collection)
- Dreamin’ and Schemin’’: Share what you would like to see in the next year at Nova
- Learn more about the many ways that you can get involved in Nova Arts Hub!
Multimedia collage
Please scroll through the slideshow below as if it were photos of a 1 year old baby that a parent is showing you.
For optimal viewing experiences, we recommend listening to the following while reading the slideshow:
Nova Arts Hub Turns One!
One year ago, I got the keys to a big, empty building filled with potential. I wasn’t sure exactly what it would become, but I knew I wanted to create something that brought art and community together.We opened quietly—with an exhibition of my own work. Though Nova Arts Hub officially launched in September 2024, the dreaming and sharing began in July.
What We’ve Created
Since opening, Nova Arts Hub has hosted:A solo exhibition of my artwork, five life drawing events (featuring seven models, these varied with every model, from including drag artists, artist collectives, poetry, and more), one non-violent communication training, The Great Swap fundraiser event (including a swop & shop, DJs, and vendors), one storytelling event (featuring four community storytellers), and three community art nights!
Projects We’ve Started
Songhees Youth Artist Program: We facilitated nine workshops with Songhees youth and featured their work in Nova Arts Hub. Training for Non-Indigenous Arts Organizations: We’re developing a tailored training to support non-Indigenous arts spaces in better serving Indigenous artists. Reclaiming Space, Reframing Truth: A public art and storytelling project featuring three artists whose work will be displayed both inside Nova and outside at the Royal Oak Shopping Centre. Each artist will also host a public event this summer. Collaborative Partnerships: We’ve partnered with other community groups to share the space and co-create meaningful programming
And by we, I mean me...
Until now, I (Lajah) am the only person running Nova Arts Hub—and while it’s been deeply rewarding, it’s also tiring. This space truly feels like my one year old baby. For this space to grow and thrive, we need your support. At the “Birthday Gift” Table, you can share what you’d love to see at Nova, sign up to volunteer, collaborate, donate, or sponsor, and contribute to our wishlist for future events.