arc.hive artist run centre operates as an arts co-lab supporting the emergence and development of inclusive collaborative practices in contemporary arts, including: visual, performative, writing, video and sound. We first opened our doors in January 2017, with eight studios and a small gallery space and since have collaborated with the local community to host collaborative exhibitions, performances, open studios, juried exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, classroom visits, MAKESHIFT (Victoria’s first contemporary textiles festival) and the BRIDGE Studio Crawl, in support of emerging art in Victoria, B.C.  We have  re-located to  770B Hillside ave, in Victoria, BC. The centre currently provides studio spaces for artists and writers engaged in diverse practices including: installation, sculpture, textiles, painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media and creative writing. Annual gallery programming includes six independently juried exhibitions, three studio member exhibitions, two community-based projects and juried performances, in addition to school visits, demonstrations, workshops and participation in local festivals and events. 

Our mandate focuses on: (1) supporting emerging contemporary artists demonstrating commitment to their practice, (2) fostering excellence and professionalism in the visual arts, (3) facilitating experimental, inclusive and collaborative practice and exchange between diverse artists, performers, and writers and (4) inspiring, educating and engaging the community in visual arts practices.  We are committed to community arts engagement.

We are interested in connecting people and practices.  To engage or inquire about things happening at the hive, please get in touch through the contact page on this site or follow us on Instagram and Facebook and sign up for our newsletter.