Viewing Rooms

Due to the COVID pandemic, the Heart of the City Festival like so many other organizations, has had to adapt from our normal way of presenting the Festival. This year, we’re presenting numerous events online, on the Festival website. We recognize that many members of the community are not able to participate as they don’t have internet service. To reach out, the Festival will setup two viewing rooms: one at Carnegie, 401 Main; and another at the InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings. From these two locations we will present streamed Festival programming and selected Zoom interactive sessions. Please note: both venues have very limited capacity, controlled entry and safety protocols in place. The schedules will be posted in the Carnegie Theatre and at the InterUrban by October 28.

Screening Outposts

The Festival is also partnering with local organizations to bring the online Festival to other locations. In some places they will be able to access the Festival’s live stream events, or at others pre-recorded events could be watched at anytime. Organizations include: Evelyne Saller Centre, 312 Main, WISH, Atira and the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall. Check with these organizations about when they are able to connect with the Festival online or show Festival programs.

Safety Protocols

In response to the reality of COVID, most of the Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival events this year are taking place online with a few events taking place outdoors or indoors for intimate audiences. The Festival is practicing safe physical distancing rules at live events and following health and safety measures to ensure audiences, artists and staff remain safe. 

We encourage you to wear face masks at public events, wash your hands or use hand-sanitizer, practice physical distancing, treat others with respect, and greet people with a smile and a wave of the hand.