Nonprofit Organizations in Vancouver

Founded in 1972, Place des Arts is a not-for-profit arts education centre with a mission to inspire the artist in everyone. Located in the historic Maillardville neighbourhood of Coquitlam, we offer quality instruction for all ages and skill levels in the visual, literary and performing arts. All classes and lessons are taught by highly skilled working professionals who take pride in ensuring all students receive personalized attention. Class sizes are based on the needs of the content, while maintaining a low teacher-to-student ratio. Our Artisan Shop and galleries support local emerging artists, and our events and performances make us a cultural hub, drawing together diverse members of the community to experience the arts.

Metro Theatre is a non-profit Society: Volunteers are our strength Celebrating 61 years of entertainment Metro Theatre’s MISSION STATEMENT – to provide high-quality entertainment for the public; to provide opportunities for “training and experience” in theatre arts. It is important to note that Metro Theatre is a registered non-profit society, and primarily a volunteer organization. The organization receives no significant grants or funding. We depend almost entirely on revenue from ticket sales to cover the substantial costs of mounting our six-production season each year. We could not do this without the contributions of the many volunteers who donate their time and talent onstage, backstage and in the front-of-house. There are plenty of opportunities to explore your area of interest throughout the season. Our one requirement – you, the volunteer should be available for the show’s production run. Working backstage is an exciting way to discover the inner workings of our theatre company. It is an excellent way to make new friends and be part of a theatre team. No experience – no problem – training provided. Please reply with your area(s) of interest: Stage Manager Properties Costumes Lighting Design Sound Design Board Operator Backstage Crew Strike/Set-up Crew FOH/Box Office

FILIPINO BC A coalition uniting diverse organizations and individuals to advocate for the development of the Filipino Cultural Centre in British Columbia. THE FILIPINO CULTURAL CENTRE Our mission is to create an inclusive and enriching space that nurtures heritage preservation, fosters intercultural unity, and celebrates community — all built by Filipinos, for everyone. FUNDAMENTAL VALUES - Intergenerational: Fostering connections and preserving language and heritage across generations, promoting continuity and cultural identity. - Intercultural: Bridge communities, promoting cultural exchange and unity, enriching experiences within the Filipino community and beyond. - Reconciliation: We actively foster solidarity and meaningful relationships between the Filipino community and Indigenous peoples, promoting collaboration, respect, and reconciliation. THE WORK WE DO - Education & Information: Utilizing our diverse online and in-person channels to deliver inclusive education, empowering our community with valuable knowledge and information. - Lobbying & Advocacy: We passionately advocate for the Filipino community, driving meaningful change by lobbying at all levels of Canadian government. - Campaigning & Political Action: We raise awareness, demand justice, and create an environment where the rights and aspirations of the Filipino community is respected and protected.

The New Art Foundation of Vancouver was established in the summer of 2022 by a group of passionate individuals with multidisciplinary expertise committed to advancing art innovation. Our founding team recognized Vancouver's potential as a hub for art innovation, but also saw gaps in the industry when it came to providing resources for creative individuals and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration. We are a registered British Columbian non-profit organization under the BC Societies Act and our team comprises experts and academics from Greater Vancouver, specializing in numerous disciplines such as fine art, art history, interior and graphic design, neuroscience, technology, and community education. Inspired by our personal experiences in art, we wanted to create a public outlet to share those experiences with others. The New Art Foundation brings together the best minds in the fields to create new ways for art to be experienced by everyone and to increase the artistic potential of all Vancouver creatives. Our mission is to be a catalyst for new ideas that will shape the future of multidisciplinary collaboration in the realms of art, design, technology and any external discipline. The Foundation provides an environment where artists can experiment with new mediums, technologies, and materials and truly flourish in Vancouver's thriving creative community.

VanCity Rook Society (Rook Music & Performing Arts Society) is dedicated to bringing music and performing arts in the form of workshops, technical practice, competitive performances and innovative programs and technological advancements. Our goal is to provide access to music and performing arts for all segments of the population in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. That includes participation with vulnerable children, youth and young adults mostly ignored due to cultural, medical or economic barriers. VanCity Rook believes in allowing all individuals from the above identified groups to achieve their full potential in music, art and technical design and choreography. Our programs will be designed to allow the societies program members to experience growth at their own pace and technical level. Our programs will allow each individual to maximize their ability and to showcase it through the societies knowledgeable and experienced staff, volunteers and instructors. All program members will be able to showcase their achievements either individually, or through team or group effort. VanCity Rook and its  programs are committed to providing not-for-profit showcase and exhibitions to all communities of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. VanCity Rook will be committed to providing support services to the community through program involvement and event participation. Whether it is technical and exploration of music fundamentals or showcase, clinics and workshop exhibits, the society will take advantage of the opportunity to expand and promote the programs of the society and offer the community mutual benefit with program participation.

At the New Art Foundation of Vancouver, we organize events, carry out projects, and support artists with limited resources in navigating the rapidly evolving field of "new art." Our goal is to promote creative opportunities for all individuals. We aim to inspire and support a healthy environment for free expression.

Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festival. Presented in Vancouver’s Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park against a spectacular backdrop of mountains, sea and sky, the Festival offers Shakespeare plays, related dramas and special events in two modern performance tents from June through September, with an average attendance of 100,000. The Festival is known for its signature blend of high-quality artistic programming and a welcoming, informal experience for local residents and visitors from around the world. Bard Education offers year-round opportunities to play and explore Shakespeare, through programs for youth, emerging theatre artists, and our general community.

Carousel Theatre for Young People (CTYP) empowers young people and families through meaningful, imaginative, and accessible theatrical experiences. The productions we create and present engage youth, families, and educators in live theatre and platform stories for and about communities that are underrepresented; they develop emotional literacy, stimulate community, encourage growth, and inspire minds in a unifying experience. CTYP focuses on introducing young minds to new ideas and enabling them to talk about them. Volunteering with CTYP gives you the opportunity to enrich and be enriched by Vancouver’s leading theatre for young audiences, creating a great experience for hundreds of diverse patrons from all walks of life.

The Open Air Orchestra Society has supported community music in Vancouver since the mid-2000s. Originally formed to support the Carnival Band, the Society has also established the Greenhorn Community Music Project, a free music program for youth in Vancouver, as well as HONK! BC, a festival that showcases street bands from all over the world! We strive to build partnerships with Vancouver’s rich resource of professionally trained musicians to conduct public workshops in creative performance. We focus on culturally diverse and locally composed musical performance, with the vision of fostering community spirit, empowerment, creativity, and skill.

The British Columbia Regiment Band Society operates the British Columbia Regiment Band, an all-volunteer community concert and marching band representing the British Columbia Regiment. Along with performing at regimental events, we perform at many community events throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond!

Science World is a mission-based, charitable organization that supports the development of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design and Math) literacy across British Columbia. Our mission is to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature and our purpose is Science for All. 

The Amelia Douglas Institute (ADI) celebrates and uplifts Métis culture in British Columbia through educational exhibitions, programs, and research. The Institute connects Métis people throughout the province with their culture, heritage, and Michif languages through virtual and in-person resources and initiatives and educates the public about Métis people and culture. The ADI is a registered charitable organization that was developed by Métis Nation of British Columbia’s Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Language in 2023. Ministry staff are currently overseeing the Institute's program delivery and operations until the Institute is further established and has sustainable funding to maintain operations independently. The ADI’s showroom and exhibition space opened to the public in January 2024 and is located at #300 13401 108 Ave Surrey BC. More information about the ADI, as well as information on Métis culture and language resources can be found on its website: https://ameliadouglasinstitute.ca/