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OPEN CALL: THE BALIKBAYAN PROJECT

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Centre A is delighted to announce a new 4-month mentorship program called The Balikbayan Project, for self-identifying Filipino youths starting on August 30, 2025. Facilitated by Lead Programmer, Geraldine Yaris aims to reflect on the Filipino concept of Kapwa which encapsulates shared identity and interconnectedness. This youth programming series and culminating exhibition will provide an opportunity for youths to commune, grieve and respond to the continued need for a physical space for the Filipino community, especially in the light of the Lapu Lapu tragedy which occurred on April 26, 2025. Balikbayan, literally meaning return to one’s country, refers to the practice of shipping goods from overseas Filipinos back to their families and signifies the return of youth to their own roots through culture, community, acts of care, sharing, and resourcefulness.

This project centres self-identifying, underrepresented Filipino youths who may not have had formal opportunities to engage in the arts, cultural mentorship, or community leadership. Centre A aims to support these youths in cultivating leadership skills, affirming cultural identity through culturally specific art-making and community-building workshops that contribute to the long-term resilience of Filipino arts and culture in British Columbia. This cohort model also ensures that participants build peer networks that extend beyond the program, contributing to a stronger, more interconnected Filipino Canadian arts ecosystem.

The participants will leave with an opportunity to showcase their work in a collaboratively curated exhibition at Centre A from January – March 2026.

This program is supported by United Way’s Kapwa Strong Fund.

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY:

Open to self identifying Filipino youth or young adults between the ages of 18-25 at the start of the program residing in Metro Vancouver (a maximum of five participants will be chosen for the program)
Must be able to commit to the entirety of the program’s duration (a total of 10 sessions over a 4-month period)
Have an interest in contemporary art and culture, writing, and/or curation, and be passionate about Vancouver’s arts and cultural scenes
Have an interest in Filipino arts and culture
Be willing to learn, listen, and work alongside a community of fellow youths, guest speakers, artists, curators and Centre A Staff
Able to commit to developing work(s) and participate in the curation of the exhibition

BENEFITS:

A two-month long group exhibition of the participant’s works from January – March 2026 collaboratively curated with other cohort members
Usage of the Centre A Gallery space throughout the program
Curatorial, administration and marketing support and mentorship, including event assets such as social media promotion, postcards and exhibition photos
Exclusive access to five arts, culture and community talks/workshops with other participants
Space, refreshments, and facilitation for five cohort meet-ups to connect, reflect on the talks/workshops and plan for the culminating exhibition
The opportunity to connect and collaborate with other emerging arts practitioners in Vancouver

Opportunities for networking and collaboration with local and international publishers, publications, galleries, and arts institutions

About the lead programmer:

Geraldine Yaris is a queer, multidisciplinary, Filipino-Canadian artist and cultural worker from the unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, Coquitlam. Outside her role as the Communications Officer at Centre A, her favourite activities include painting, dancing, and the occasional karaoke night. She has often struggled with where her Filipino identity fits into her creative journey. After Lapu Lapu day, the grief of the Filipino diasporic community was made highly visible—all the while, Filipinos continued to face structural barriers to cultural community hubs and resources through which to process collectively. Experiencing this gap in need has inspired Geraldine to leverage the impact of her work in the arts sector, to create programs that strengthen her community by uplifting her peers. She holds a Bachelor of Design degree from Capilano University and has collaborated with Capilano Courier, City of Coquitlam, One More Life Gallery, SADMAG, Chairman Ting and more.

Program details

LOCATION: Programming will be conducted IN-PERSON at Centre A, 205–268 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC. Accessibility details are listed below in the “About Centre A” section

DATES:

Saturday August 30, 2025
Saturday September 6, 2025
Saturday September 20, 2025
Saturday October 4, 2025
Saturday October 18, 2025
Saturday November 1, 2025
Saturday November 15, 2025
Saturday November 29, 2025
Saturday December 6, 2025
Saturday December 13, 2025

REMUNERATION: Each participants will receive an honorarium of $1,500 for the successful completion of the program (including attendance of a minimum of 8 of 10 sessions) as well as an artist exhibition fee of $644. (CARFAC 2026 rate)

HOW TO APPLY

Deadline to submit: August 11, 2025, 11:59 PM PST

If you believe you would be a fit for this program, please send the following in a single PDF file by email to [email protected] with “APPLICATION: The Balikbayan Project” in the subject line

Your application should include:

Your contact information
A letter of intent (500 words maximum) outlining your background and interest in contemporary art and/or Filipino culture, as well as your goals for participating in the program
A portfolio showcasing your artistic practice (3 pages maximum) or a link to website or social media
Any accessibility needs

Successful applicants can expect to hear back by August 16, 2025. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to respond to every applicant.

If you require assistance with submitting your application, please get in touch with us at +1 (604) 683-8326 or [email protected].

ABOUT CENTRE A

Established in 1999, Centre A is the only public art gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Asian and Asian diasporic perspectives. We are committed to providing a platform for engaging diverse communities through public access to the arts, creating mentorship opportunities for emerging artists and arts professionals, and stimulating critical dialogue through provocative exhibitions and innovative public programs that complicate understandings of migrant experiences and diasporic communities. In addition to our exhibition space, we house a reading room with a collection of books on transnational Asian art, including the Finlayson Collection of Rare Asian Art Books.

Centre A is located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, on the second floor of the Sun Wah Centre Mall. The gallery is located on the second floor of a wheelchair-accessible building which has an elevator. Bathrooms are gendered with accessible stalls. Please contact us at [email protected] for full details, including any accommodation requests.

Communications Coordinator (YOUNG CANADA WORKS)

Centre A (officially, the Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art), is seeking a Communications Coordinator to join the team from September 3, 2025 to March 23, 2026. The deadline to apply is August 13, 2025, 11:59 PM PT

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Communications Coordinator will support various marketing, branding, outreach, and stakeholder engagement activities related to Centre A. The Communications Officer will also have the opportunity to assist with the organization of public programs and other community initiatives.

The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for raising awareness about Centre A’s exhibitions, programs, and facilities through a combination of marketing campaigns, community outreach, and online engagement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to learn all aspects of gallery operations and non-profit management working with a close-knit team in a supportive environment. The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about connecting with people and fostering relationships with partner organizations, local committees, and media.

1. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working with the Centre A team, assist in preparing a wide range of communication materials for internal and external use, including marketing materials and copywriting for print, online, and social media platforms
Participating in the development and implementation of communications and audience engagement strategies for promoting Centre A exhibitions and programs to individuals, groups, cultural institutions and businesses across Metro Vancouver, particularly in and around the Chinatown neighborhood
Writing and sourcing content for bi-weekly e-newsletters
Planning, developing, and executing community presentations, outreach activities, and events
Maintaining the gallery website with updated exhibition, programming, and other relevant information
Assisting in the enhancement of audience engagement by developing and administering program evaluation surveys, conducting focus groups, compiling data and analyzing results
Researching, compiling, and cultivating media contacts
Updating and maintaining a database of existing and prospective stakeholders and supporters, including members, donors, volunteers, community partners and media contacts
Supporting day-to-day gallery operations and providing administrative support to the senior staff
Assisting with grant writing
Other duties as assigned

2. KEY QUALIFICATION

An undergraduate or graduate degree with a major in Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, Publicity, Design, Journalism, or related field of studies
A mindful approach to design and content creation, not producing content for content’s sake
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and self-motivated
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong creative and graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite) are required
Strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines
Superior time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment, and as part of a team
Proficiency with computers and Google Workspace including but not limited to Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides
Familiarity with social media platforms and management tools beyond personal use
Familiarity with Brevo or other equivalent newsletter software
Strong sense of equity and sound understanding of accessibility
Experience with web design, and audio/video production is an asset
Experience with Cargo and WordPress is an asset
Familiarity with HTML is an asset
Photography skills are an asset
Knowledge of languages other than English, particularly Asian languages, is a strong asset
Ability to work flexible hours

Note: This is a paid position funded with assistance from Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage (YCWBCH) Program, and all applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements (https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html):

An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:

are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);
are legally entitled to work in Canada;
are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;
are unemployed or underemployed;
are a college or university graduate; and
are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program.

3. LENGTH OF TERM

21 hours/week from September 3, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (29 work weeks)

Hourly Wage: $27.65/hour

HOW TO APPLY:

If you believe that your skills and experience align with Centre A, please send

A letter of intent describing your interest in the position, reasons for applying, any other information that may help strengthen your application
A CV
A design portfolio, and
Three copywriting samples (within 150 words each)
Contact information for a professional reference

Please email the application package as a single PDF document with your name and the position in the title, in the above order, to [email protected] by August 13, 2025, 11:59 PM PT.

Please note that incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. We acknowledge the time and effort invested in each application, and thank you in advance for your interest; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Targeted start date is September 3, 2025.

ABOUT CENTRE A:

Centre A is a leading public art gallery currently situated in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. It is a registered charity and the only public art gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Asian and Asian-diasporic perspectives since 1999.
Centre A is committed to providing a platform for engaging diverse communities through public access to the arts, creating mentorship opportunities for emerging artists and arts professionals, and stimulating critical dialogue through provocative exhibitions and innovative public programs that complicate understandings of migrant experiences and diasporic communities.
In addition to our exhibition space, we house a reading room with one of the best collections of Asian art books in the country, including the Finlayson Collection of Rare Asian Art Books. In these facilities and beyond, we rigorously engage in culture-making through research, curatorial engagement with artists, mentorship of emerging arts professionals, presentation of works, public dialogues, and various forms of documentation.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS, AND INCLUSION

Centre A is located in Vancouver’s Chinatown on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Centre A values diversity in the staff and leadership because it allows us to better understand and meet the needs of the communities we serve. It helps us foster greater creativity, breadth of experience, and personal growth among our Staff and Board, and it’s essential to our success as an organization. We are committed to equity and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented and marginalized groups, including but not limited to sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, and/or disability.

Centre A is a unionized workplace with a collective agreement as part of the Arts and Cultural Workers Union, IATSE B-778.
If you require assistance with submitting your application, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

GALLERY COORDINATOR (YOUNG CANADA WORKS)

Centre A is seeking a Gallery Coordinator to join the team from August 23, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The deadline to apply is August 13, 2025, 11:59 PM PT

POSITION SUMMARY

The Gallery Coordinator will be responsible for day-to-day task management within Centre A. The role requires multitasking across a range of responsibilities, including scheduling, handling accounting activities, receiving and forwarding communications, and taking care of more general clerical duties. The Gallery Coordinator will also be responsible for supporting event planning and public program initiatives, as well as serving as a greeter for members and visitors.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn all aspects of gallery operations and non-profit management working with a close-knit team in a supportive environment. The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, passionate about connecting with people, and able to work flexible hours.

1. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Providing administrative support to the Executive Director and Artistic Director
Scheduling, coordinating, and supporting meetings and events
Gift shop and bookshop inventory management which includes researching and recruiting potential vendors and drafting consignment agreements
Coordinating facility and office maintenance, including managing office supplies and equipment, furniture, and other gallery needs
Systematically filing important organizational documents and data, including financial forms and gallery statistics, program information, vendor files, member files, and other forms related to the gallery’s operations
Receiving gallery visitors, answering telephone calls, replying to emails, and responding to general inquiries
Processing membership applications and maintaining a current member and donor database
Performing bookkeeping tasks such a tracking invoices and receipts, monitoring accounts receivable, and budget tracking
Contributing to and developing e-newsletters, website maintenance, and social media strategies
Contribute to coordinating and planning public programs
Researching and compiling grant, sponsorship, partnership, and outreach opportunities
Coordinating and participating in exhibition installations and strikes
Assist with library organizations by shelving books, clearing tables, and performing routine sorting, cataloging, and preparation of new and donated books
Participate and contribute to monthly board meetings and additional committee meetings
Providing administrative and grant writing support
Performs related duties as assigned

2. KEY QUALIFICATION

An undergraduate or graduate degree with a major in Art History, Visual Arts, Cultural Studies, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Arts & Entertainment Management, Library Science, or any related field of study
Experience in retail, in particular with using Square point of sales system
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and self-motivated
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines
Superior time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment, and as part of a team
Proficiency with computers and Google Workspace including but not limited to Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides
Knowledge of languages other than English, particularly Asian languages, is a strong asset
Experience in installing contemporary art is a strong asset
Ability to work flexible hours

Note: This is a paid position funded with assistance from Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage (YCWBCH) Program, and all applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements (https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html):

An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:

are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);
are legally entitled to work in Canada;
are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;
are unemployed or underemployed;
are a college or university graduate; and
are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program.

3. LENGTH OF TERM

21 hours/week from August 28, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (29 work weeks)
Hourly Wage: $27.65/hour

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe that your skills and experience align with Centre A, please send:

A letter of intent describing your interest in the position, reasons for applying, any other information that may help strengthen your application,
A CV,
Contact information for two professional references

Please email the application package as a single PDF document with your name and the position in the title, in the above order, to [email protected] by August 13, 2025, 11:59 PM PT
Please note that incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. We acknowledge the time and effort invested in each application, and thank you in advance for your interest; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Targeted start date is August 31, 2025.

ABOUT CENTRE A

Centre A is a leading public art gallery currently situated in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. It is a registered charity and the only public art gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Asian and Asian-diasporic perspectives since 1999.Centre A is committed to providing a platform for engaging diverse communities through public access to the arts, creating mentorship opportunities for emerging artists and arts professionals, and stimulating critical dialogue through provocative exhibitions and innovative public programs that complicate understandings of migrant experiences and diasporic communities.
In addition to our exhibition space, we house a reading room with one of the best collections of Asian art books in the country, including the Finlayson Collection of Rare Asian Art Books. In these facilities and beyond, we rigorously engage in culture-making through research, curatorial engagement with artists, mentorship of emerging arts professionals, presentation of works, public dialogues and various forms of documentation.

Centre A is a unionized workplace with a collective agreement as part of the Arts and Cultural Workers Union, IATSE B-778.