The theatre’s lights dimmed. The audience’s muffled conversations silenced, and all eyes focused on the stage to watch the show before them. Inside the Peanut Gallery Theatre, Christine sat as a young girl. Before her eyes could adjust to the darkened lights, a spotlight appeared on the stage as the colorful cast of characters emerged. These players urged the crowd to join them in whistling, something Christine could not do. Despite this, she was entranced and delighted to join in as best she could. She squealed along with the rest of the crowd, pretending to make a whistling noise. 

That day at the Peanut Gallery Theatre was Christine A. Richardson’s first experience in the arts, and it’s a moment that she reflects on fondly. As an adult, Richardson joined nonprofit performing arts groups, working all over the country. But as she returned to Vancouver, where she was born and raised, she thought about the next chapter of her life. Her day job with the Portland Opera provided a lot of contacts and exposure to various artists, and soon, a plan developed. Richardson could use her skills working with nonprofits and artists to bring a vibrant and exciting arts and cultural scene to Clark County. 

“I work in theater, so I’m a doer,” she laughs. 

In 2021, Richardson created theARTScentered, a nonprofit specifically for local performing artists and arts organizations. “The reason I named it theARTScentered was because centering something is active, and to keep something centered, you have to hold onto it and guide it. And so, to keep the arts centered in everything we’re doing, it is a continual effort on our part.”

Creativity and Cultural Exchange

TheARTScentered operates with a clear vision of becoming a hub for creativity and cultural exchange. As the executive director, Richardson quickly established the reputation of providing resources, space, professional expertise and collaborative opportunities to the local arts community. TheARTScentered exists to help artists navigate the challenges of pursuing their creative endeavors by offering resources and collaborative support from the whole arts community. This support is crucial in a field where artists often face financial constraints, lack of space and limited professional development opportunities.

For artists like Anna B. Cruz, the founder and artistic director of the Vancouver Ballet Folklórico, this support has been invaluable. As a choreographer and dancer, Cruz noticed a lack of cultural arts support in Clark County. Vancouver Ballet Folklórico looks to change that by bringing traditional Mexican dance to families who do not have the resources to enroll their children in a traditional dance studio. In teaching the younger generations the art of Mexican dance, the roots and traditions of the culture live on in individuals and the community. 

Richardson heard about Vancouver Ballet Folklórico and contacted Cruz, asking for a meeting. At that meeting, the two women collaborated on a partnership to continue building on one of the central values of theARTScentered, which is its commitment to promoting equity in cultural access. The organization is built on the tenet that the arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, income, ethnicity or background. This commitment is reflected in theARTScentered’s efforts to create inclusive programs and initiatives that reach underserved communities. “I just feel like finally there is a place that can host us that feels welcoming,” says Cruz. “We would just love to learn that, finally, there will be a space that everybody can use that is not ultra expensive. As a nonprofit, there is not just my group but many other groups that would benefit. I feel like finally, an art center that is multicultural, welcoming and centric is going to be a reality.”

This cultural art reality is something Cruz attributes directly to the hard work of Richardson. “I’m super thrilled that Ms. Christine is in charge because she is passionate about art, listens to different groups and tries to accommodate them. It has to be the right person to advocate for the groups and have a strong relationship with the City of Vancouver.”

A Space to Thrive

Primarily, theARTScentered assists local artists by providing space for rehearsals, performances and exhibitions. Access to affordable and well-equipped spaces is a significant barrier for many artists. By offering a space, theARTScentered enables artists to practice, create and showcase their work in a professional environment. This accessibility is vital for emerging artists who may not have the means to rent commercial spaces, thus leveling the playing field and fostering a more inclusive arts community.

When Fort Vancouver Regional Library District moved out of their building on Mill Plain Blvd., the City of Vancouver hoped that it could use the space to continue serving the community’s needs. As a former commissioner for the city’s culture, arts and heritage, Richardson once again proved that she was in the right place at the right time to make theARTScentered a reality. “I believe the City understands my moral compass; when I say equity, they understand what I mean by equity and what I mean by uplifting voices. They’ve seen me do those things. And so, they understood that we would be great partners in approaching this project.” TheARTScentered and the City of Vancouver did become partners, and the organization now uses the building as its main area of operation.

Not only does theARTScentered provide space for local artists, but the organization is also invested in the growth of the groups who use their space. Richardson has worked to include providing professional expertise and guidance to artists and arts organizations who come to theARTScentered. This includes workshops, mentorship programs and access to industry professionals who can offer insights into various aspects of the arts, from performance techniques to marketing and business management. These events bring together artists from different disciplines and backgrounds, allowing them to learn from each other and create new, exciting work. Collaboration enhances the creative process and broadens the impact of the arts by reaching diverse audiences and addressing a wider range of themes and issues.

By equipping artists with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, theARTScentered plays a critical role in building the capacity of the local arts community. “It just goes back to relationship building,” explains Richardson. “I’m not in this just for a one-off. We want to create relationships so that we can continue to provide support for years to come.”

It’s that relationship-building that will help fund the organization, too. “TheARTScentered is [supported by] mostly private donors,” says Richardson. “We’re reaching out to create some other partnerships that will be part of this financial question. But right now, I’m all for anybody who will listen to me preach about equity and cultural access.”

“We Need Art More Than Ever”

Despite its infancy, theARTScentered’s work is already having a profound impact on the Vancouver community. By supporting emerging and diverse artists, the organization contributes to the cultural vibrancy and quality of life here. A thriving arts community attracts visitors, enhances the city’s appeal and fosters a sense of pride and identity among all residents.

The arts also have educational and developmental benefits. An arts education fosters creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for success in various aspects of life. TheARTScentered’s commitment to arts education ensures these benefits are accessible to all community members.

“I think that the arts are sustenance,” laughs Richardson. “We turn to poetry, we turn to music, we turn to literature and we turn to movies. We turn to artistic forms. Whether we want to just relax or find solace. Whether we want to be soothed or uplifted from a hectic day, we turn to the arts,” says Richardson. “The data is out there about what the arts and creativity bring to a human brain and heart. We need more love. We need more creativity. We need art more than ever.”

To learn more about theARTScentered, visit them online at theartscentered.org.

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Feature photo: Vancouver Ballet Folklorico performs at the 2023 Dia de Muertos Celebration at Esther Short Park. Photo by Josh Murry.