Lulu Lecture Series: Diaka Blais and Brian McBay on Cultural Land Trusts

As land values skyrocket, artists and cultural organizations in BC are being priced out. In less than a decade, more than 400 artist production spaces, performing arts venues and art galleries have closed. Two-thirds of these cultural spaces have leases for less than five years—with no rent controls within the commercial leasing market. Consequently more than 80% of artists and cultural organizations in the province are facing the likelihood of economic displacement. In response, Brian McBay is part of a group that is that is developing a model for a province-wide Cultural Land Trust to collaboratively secure buildings specifically for cultural use.

Recently, The Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS) established a community land trust. HAS is a non-profit that has been working with the City of Vancouver to ensure that the redevelopment of the Hogan’s Alley block in Strathcona represents the legacy the Black community that was displaced by the construction of viaducts in 1971-72. In 2022, HAS signed a Memoradum of Understanding with the City that sets out the terms for a long-term lease for the Hogan’s Alley Block. With this lease, HAS will establish a non-profit Community Land Trust that aims to provide affordable housing, small and social enterprise spaces, cultural amenities, and other infrastructure elements that will redress displacement and prevent the gentrification that has disproportionately impacted Black communities across Canada. A key element of the development is the Black Cultural Centre, that will serve the unique needs of people of African descent across region.

Djaka Blais from the Hogan's Alley Society and Brian McBay of 221A will have an open discussion about the Community Land Trust movement in Canada, and the challenges faced with their respective projects, including the role of ethnocultural communities in reinforcing land rights, reciprocity for Indigenous Nations, and the potential for the model to preserve and grow cultural spaces.

Free event, registration is required.

About the Presenters:
Brian McBay is the Executive Director of 221a, a Vancouver-based cultural research and housing and space operator.

Djaka Blais is the Executive Director of Hogan’s Alley Society, a non-profit organization composed of civil rights activists, business professionals, community organizations, artists, writers and academics committed to daylighting the presence of Black history in Vancouver and throughout BC.

About the Lulu Lecture Series:

Since 2003, City of Richmond has presented regional, national and international speakers including acclaimed artists, architects, urban planners and other cultural leaders. Previous lecture topics have included planning and placemaking, public and environmental art, art as community development, art as urban revitalization, architecture, artists’ live/work spaces and sculpture parks.

Host or Publisher City of Richmond Public Art Program