Classes and Workshops
Richmond is an arts education hub where you can find high-quality arts programs designed for all ages and abilities.
Photo: Richmond Arts Centre visual arts classes for children
While practical, academic education may seem like an obvious path to success, creativity is one of the most critical skills needed for our future and innovation is increasingly in demand.
Richmond Arts Centre
and Media Lab
Richmond Arts Centre provides high-calibre arts education for all ages taught by professional artists in a studio setting. Meanwhile, the Media Lab offers youth-focused programs designed to increase technology literacy and creativity through media arts.
The Arts Centre is also home to Resident Art Groups offering workshops and classes in pottery, textiles, lapidary, photography, calligraphy, painting and dance for adults and seniors.
In partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and School District 38, the Arts Centre provides free, quality after-school arts education programs to a number of elementary schools through the Art Truck program.
Photo: Preschool ballet at Richmond Arts Centre
Richmond Art Gallery
Richmond Art Gallery offers programs for all ages interested in the visual arts, as well as special programs, school tours and virtual programs. The Art Gallery also hosts unique workshops, networking opportunities, talks and tours that connect to gallery exhibitions.
Photo: Richmond Art Gallery School Art Program
Gateway Academy
Gateway Academy provides year-round classes for youth in acting, musical theatre, singing and speech offered by Gateway Theatre.
Photo: Gateway Theatre Academy
Community Centres
Richmond is home to nine community centres that offer year-round recreational activities for all ages and abilities. Many offer arts programming that promotes connection and creativity, along with health and wellness.
Learn about program registration and upcoming registration details.
More creative learning experiences
Richmond Public Libraries
Richmond's four public libraries offer a great mix of free workshops and events including the annual Writer-in-Residence program designed for aspiring writers.
Photo: Traditional Musqueam Paddles Workshop, Engaging Artists in Community, 2019
Heritage Sites
Many of Richmond’s heritage sites and museums offer creative workshops and programming, including Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, London Farm, Richmond Museum, Steveston Museum and Post Office, and Steveston Tram.
Photo: Demonstration at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Lulu Speaker Series
The Lulu Series is a free, annual three-part lecture series by leaders in the fields of public art, community engagement, architecture and city planning.
Photo: Tabla performance by Amarjeet Singh as part of the 2018 Lulu Series
Post-Secondary Education
Richmond's Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus offers programs in a range of disciplines from Creative Writing to Fashion Design.
Local Service Providers
Richmond is home to numerous cultural organizations including many that provide lessons in music, visual arts, dance and more. As well, there are several privately operated arts education centres providing high-quality programs for all ages.
