Downtown Eastside residents speak their truth at The Cardboard Project

The Cardboard Project — a unique artistic showcase that features a collection of written experiences by Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents — is back again for another year on July 27.

The Cardboard Project from Mark Stan W on Vimeo.

Hosted by Employ to Empower, the Cardboard project 2.0 features a unique dark room interaction with low-income entrepreneurs from the Downtown Eastside, an artistic showcase, as well as a diverse speaking panel around the theme of Attentive Listening. 

Speakers include artists, entrepreneurs, and mental health advocates. A full list of speaker bios can be found here.

The dark room experience is the highlight of this year’s showcase. It is similar to the growing global trend for “dark tables,” or “blind dining.” 

The goal is to engage in an intimate and friendly discussion with Downtown Eastside residents with only a heightened sense of hearing.

Similar to last year, the Cardboard Project 2.0 will also feature an art exhibition showcasing more than 100 responses to a question received from members of the Downtown Eastside, and written on cardboard.

This year, that question was “What is the most meaningful thing you’ve ever heard?”.

These responses will then be transformed into a massive ear installation, designed and curated by low-income entrepreneurs, who are a part of Employ to Empower’s CIM (Collaboration, Incubator, Mentorship) program.

See also

• West Vancouver ignored couple's wish to turn property into park: Lawsuit
• Former cabin turned into floating artist residency to be moored in False Creek
• Artist behind Obama 'Hope' portrait debuting 20-storey mural in downtown Vancouver

These talented artists will also be showcasing some of their own artwork for sale.

The ultimate aim of this year’s Cardboard Project is to have meaningful conversations, challenge stereotypes, and learn to listen differently.

All proceeds from the Cardboard Project will go towards Employ To Empower’s programs, to provide local low-income entrepreneurs with the mentorship and support they need to succeed. 

Attendees can also win a FREE helicopter round trip for two from Vancouver to Nanaimo valued at $1,200 from Helijet by attending the event and entering the event’s Instagram contest.

Cardboard Project 2.0: From Dark To Light

When: July 27, 2019

Where: 312 Main Street, Vancouver

Time: 12:30 pm to 4 pm

Cost: Event entry is by a minimum donation of $10

Daily Hive is a proud community partner of Cardboard Project 2.0

See also

• West Vancouver ignored couple's wish to turn property into park: Lawsuit
• Former cabin turned into floating artist residency to be moored in False Creek
• Artist behind Obama 'Hope' portrait debuting 20-storey mural in downtown Vancouver

Employ to Empower expresses their sincere gratitude to sponsors who have made this event possible: SFU External Relations, Daily Hive, Helijet, Body Energy Club, Brain Station YVR, Cartems Donuts, Lululemon, Starbucks, 604 Now, Vancouver is Awesome and Cillema.