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We here at QAF + SUM are happy, excited, eager, and scared to announce Queer Arts Festival 2026: On the Edge! 🤺

Around the world, our communities are being pushed to the brink: rights stripped away, identities erased, futures uncertain. Yet the edges are also where transformation begins, where risk and reinvention thrive. 🎭

On the Edge asks what happens when we refuse to fall, when we linger in tension, desire, and anticipation — holding that charged space just a little longer before what comes next. 🫂

🗓️ June 5- 30, 2026
📍 Various locations
🔗 queerartsfestival.com

So if you’ve been feeling On the Edge lately, watch this space to see what the cards have in store… 🔮

Image credit: Cheryl Hamilton

hey all, if you’re confused about how to get to our gallery, here’s a handy video guide on how to reach us 🤭

a reminder that we are open to the public from tues-sat from 12pm-6pm during active exhibitions! see you around 👋🏽

3 workshops! 3 days! 3 chances to get handsy with a new creative outlet!

Join us for a series of creative, community-rooted workshops led by artists from the 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 exhibition. Learn the art of paper making or silkscreen printing, or dive into the DIY world of zine making. No experience is needed, just an open mind and a desire for self-expression. Materials will be provided. Spots are limited, so secure your spot through Eventbrite, linked in the @queerarts bio.

𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 7th | 10am-2pm
📍Malaspina Printmakers Society
🎟$10

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗸𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 13th | 11am-3pm
📍Malaspina Printmakers Society
🎟$10

𝗭𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 14th | 11am-3pm
📍Sun Wah Centre, 4
🎟$10

3 workshops! 3 days! 3 chances to get handsy with a new creative outlet!

Join us for a series of creative, community-rooted workshops led by artists from the 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 exhibition. Learn the art of paper making or silkscreen printing, or dive into the DIY world of zine making. No experience is needed, just an open mind and a desire for self-expression. Materials will be provided. Spots are limited, so secure your spot through Eventbrite, linked in the @queerarts bio.

𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 7th | 10am-2pm
📍Malaspina Printmakers Society
🎟$10

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗸𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 13th | 11am-3pm
📍Malaspina Printmakers Society
🎟$10

𝗭𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 14th | 11am-3pm
📍Sun Wah Centre, 4
🎟$10

3 workshops! 3 days! 3 chances to get handsy with a new creative outlet!

Join us for a series of creative, community-rooted workshops led by artists from the 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 exhibition. Learn the art of paper making or silkscreen printing, or dive into the DIY world of zine making. No experience is needed, just an open mind and a desire for self-expression. Materials will be provided. Spots are limited, so secure your spot through Eventbrite, linked in the @queerarts bio.

𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 7th | 10am-2pm
📍Malaspina Printmakers Society
🎟$10

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗸𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 13th | 11am-3pm
📍Malaspina Printmakers Society
🎟$10

𝗭𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
📆June 14th | 11am-3pm
📍Sun Wah Centre, 4
🎟$10

After a quiet absence, The Night of Storytelling rises again.

The series returns from its own slumber with its signature edge: an invitation for writers to take the stage and perform original pieces shaped around this year’s theme, 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵.

Think of Jesus on the Cross or Frankenstein's monster. Think of resurrections that reverberate through one's body. This is not a gentle evening. It's one of transformation, risk and revelation.

Join author and curator Danny Ramadan as he brings together a lineup of powerful voices stepping onto the stage, offering work that is raw, immediate, and alive to this moment.

Featuring 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘄𝗻, 𝗔𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻, 𝗷𝗮𝘇 𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗮𝘆𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗻

📆June 6th | 7pm
📍Sun Wah Centre, LG 001
🎟$0 – $25, sliding scale

Take the edge off (or lean right into it) at ArtParty! 👩‍🎨🪩

Join us on Thursday, June 5th to celebrate the opening of QAF 2026: On the Edge with not one, but two(!!) incredible art exhibitions: the 𝗤𝗔𝗙 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 at SUM gallery, and 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 right next door at On Main Gallery.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! This year we’re taking over the whole 4th floor of the Sun Wah Centre, and turning the party up to 11 with free 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺, a cash bar, personalized tarot readings, DIY screenprinting (bring your own bag or t-shirt!) and music by the totally amazing 𝗗𝗝 𝗢𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄. So come on out for a night of sharp art, smooth grooves, and very queer company.

This event is FREE to attend, but pre-registration through Eventbrite is appreciated!! Link in the @queerarts bio.

Take the edge off (or lean right into it) at ArtParty! 👩‍🎨🪩

Join us on Thursday, June 5th to celebrate the opening of QAF 2026: On the Edge with not one, but two(!!) incredible art exhibitions: the 𝗤𝗔𝗙 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 at SUM gallery, and 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 right next door at On Main Gallery.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! This year we’re taking over the whole 4th floor of the Sun Wah Centre, and turning the party up to 11 with free 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺, a cash bar, personalized tarot readings, DIY screenprinting (bring your own bag or t-shirt!) and music by the totally amazing 𝗗𝗝 𝗢𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄. So come on out for a night of sharp art, smooth grooves, and very queer company.

This event is FREE to attend, but pre-registration through Eventbrite is appreciated!! Link in the @queerarts bio.

Take the edge off (or lean right into it) at ArtParty! 👩‍🎨🪩

Join us on Thursday, June 5th to celebrate the opening of QAF 2026: On the Edge with not one, but two(!!) incredible art exhibitions: the 𝗤𝗔𝗙 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 at SUM gallery, and 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 right next door at On Main Gallery.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! This year we’re taking over the whole 4th floor of the Sun Wah Centre, and turning the party up to 11 with free 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺, a cash bar, personalized tarot readings, DIY screenprinting (bring your own bag or t-shirt!) and music by the totally amazing 𝗗𝗝 𝗢𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄. So come on out for a night of sharp art, smooth grooves, and very queer company.

This event is FREE to attend, but pre-registration through Eventbrite is appreciated!! Link in the @queerarts bio.

We are shocked to learn of the passing of cellist and composer Cris Derksen. Leaving us far too soon at the age of 45, Cris brought together their Cree culture, classical training, and music technology to create a singular and transformative contemporary artistic voice. They were a star of our 2017 Queer Arts Festival, presenting their JUNO-nominated Cris Derksen: Orchestral Powwow alongside the Chippewa Travellers, hoop dancer Nimkii Osawamick, percussionist Jesse Baird, and the Allegra Chamber Orchestra.

On a personal note, Cris and I were schoolmates at the UBC School of Music, and I have fond memories of late-night conversations on the fourth floor of the Music Building. Even then, I was struck by their star power and unique vision: their work illuminated a future in which classical music and Truth and Reconciliation could not only intersect, but thrive together.

Our hearts are with Cris’s family, friends, collaborators, and communities, and especially with their wife Rebecca, who remains in critical condition in hospital.

Mark Takeshi McGregor
📸 Cris Derksen's Orchestral Powwow, QAF 2017 by Belle Ancell

We are shocked to learn of the passing of cellist and composer Cris Derksen. Leaving us far too soon at the age of 45, Cris brought together their Cree culture, classical training, and music technology to create a singular and transformative contemporary artistic voice. They were a star of our 2017 Queer Arts Festival, presenting their JUNO-nominated Cris Derksen: Orchestral Powwow alongside the Chippewa Travellers, hoop dancer Nimkii Osawamick, percussionist Jesse Baird, and the Allegra Chamber Orchestra.

On a personal note, Cris and I were schoolmates at the UBC School of Music, and I have fond memories of late-night conversations on the fourth floor of the Music Building. Even then, I was struck by their star power and unique vision: their work illuminated a future in which classical music and Truth and Reconciliation could not only intersect, but thrive together.

Our hearts are with Cris’s family, friends, collaborators, and communities, and especially with their wife Rebecca, who remains in critical condition in hospital.

Mark Takeshi McGregor
📸 Cris Derksen's Orchestral Powwow, QAF 2017 by Belle Ancell

Our future are bright this summer! 🔮🧙🏼‍♂️

We are looking for volunteers for QAF 2026: On the Edge, running June 5th-30th.

Volunteering with QAF is an amazing opportunity to connect with Vancouver’s Queer art scene and build your community! Festival volunteers get a free QAF t-shirt and a chance to win some magical prizes at our volunteer appreciation party on July 8th.

If you haven’t volunteered with us before, you can sign up now via our Better Impact page. If you’re signed up already, you’ll see various positions are now up for grabs, such as gallery hosts, box office support, bartending and merchandise table crew! We ask that NEW volunteers hold off on signing up for shifts until after attending one of our volunteer orientations, scheduled for Saturday May 31st and Tuesday June 2nd.

Find out more and sign up for shifts at the link in our bio!

“This show is a way of honouring queer elders and creating a sense of history,” Jaewoo Kang shares. “I hope [the audience] laugh all the way through.” 💕

Wonderful interview on Hearts & Boots by Jaewoo Kang with collaborative performers, Rhye McCorkindale and Romi Kim. Opening night is tomorrow, come join us for this work on a shared program with ‘Keepsakes’, a new duet created and performed by @shionskye & @elikamoj 💫

Oontz oontz oontz oontz-oontz oontz! 🚨 Come out to the SUM Gallery this Saturday, May 16th from 1-2pm for a free free freeeeeeee Artist Talk with Jay Cabalu! 🤩

The artist behind our most stimulating exhibition yet will discuss his process of creating his signature collages and delve into the themes of consumerism and compliance running through hyperfiXation. 🛩️

This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Check out our Linktree for more!

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Happy Mother’s Day from QAF+SUM! Here are a few mothers you should probably know about.

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came to the opening of hyperfiXation last night. 🤩 We’re still buzzing from all the love! Jay Cabalu’s expansive solo show will be up at the SUM until May 29. 🛰️

If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, all is not lost. On May 16 Jay will be at the gallery to give an Artist Talk about his work as a response to capitalism, consumption, mass media, and pleasure — it may get a little meta…

And if you’d love to learn more about his practice, Jay will be running a hand-cut collaging workshop on the 23rd! Peep our Linktree for more! 💽

Less than a week away from opening night of Sam San Se, a shared program with works by:

🎀 Jaewoo Kang in collaboration with Rhye McCorkindale & Romi Kim
🍃 Shion Skye Carter & elika mojtabaei

We are at cuteness overload with these photos of Jaewoo, Rhye and Romi, but there are still tickets left!!

Date + Time 🗓️⏰: May 14-17, 7pm
Tickets 🎟️: Sliding scale $20-$40
Post-show chat: May 17

Generously supported by @cityofvancouver @bcartscouncil @canada.council

Hearts and Boots was created with collaborators: Erika Mitsuhashi and Reed Jackson.
The work premiered at @whatlab and for ahmm 2026, is presented in partnership with Pride In Arts Society and is supported at ahmm by @queerarts Photos: @lucianaphotography_vancouver

#ahmm2026 #ahmm #AsianHeritageMonth #vancouverevents #contemporarydance @oddmeridianarts @hereatmorrow

Less than a week away from opening night of Sam San Se, a shared program with works by:

🎀 Jaewoo Kang in collaboration with Rhye McCorkindale & Romi Kim
🍃 Shion Skye Carter & elika mojtabaei

We are at cuteness overload with these photos of Jaewoo, Rhye and Romi, but there are still tickets left!!

Date + Time 🗓️⏰: May 14-17, 7pm
Tickets 🎟️: Sliding scale $20-$40
Post-show chat: May 17

Generously supported by @cityofvancouver @bcartscouncil @canada.council

Hearts and Boots was created with collaborators: Erika Mitsuhashi and Reed Jackson.
The work premiered at @whatlab and for ahmm 2026, is presented in partnership with Pride In Arts Society and is supported at ahmm by @queerarts Photos: @lucianaphotography_vancouver

#ahmm2026 #ahmm #AsianHeritageMonth #vancouverevents #contemporarydance @oddmeridianarts @hereatmorrow