Archives

Western Front’s archives are inextricably entwined with our programming. Having taken root from the early efforts of Kate Craig and other Western Front founders who embraced new technologies to document performance and create independent media art productions, the archives have continued to grow since 1973 and record almost all of Western Front’s initiatives dedicated to the production and presentation of contemporary art. The archives act as our institutional memory and a resource to be reactivated through research, artistic engagement, and public access.

The archives contain nearly 2,000 video tapes and 500 audio recordings on magnetic media; approximately 30 meters of textual and graphic material; legacy technical equipment; performance props and costumes; and original artworks. Distinct from Western Front’s institutional records and documentation, Western Front has acquired the Kate Craig fonds, Hank Bull collection, and the Knights of the Pythias collection.

Access

Western Front’s archives are located at 303 E 8th Ave, Vancouver and are open by appointment to all researchers on Thursdays and Fridays. Please contact our archivist, Anna Tidlund, to plan your visit.

Browse the archival holdings via our database below. The current contents of this site are a work in progress and reflect a small portion of available archival material. We are working on migrating and updating our data for online use and publication. We encourage you to reach out to us with further questions, comments, and research requests.

You can still browse Western Front’s legacy website here for further details about past events and programs.

Use and Permissions

If you are interested in using archival material for purposes other than private research and study, the request may be subject to a fee and further inquiry. Fees can be applied to requests related to exhibitions, loans, and reproductions, whether online, digital, or in print. Contact us for further details on your request.

If you appear in an online record, you have the right to request this material be taken down from our website. Please note that we may ask for additional information to better understand your request.