A creative new vending machine has popped up in downtown Vancouver, but it’s more of a miniature art gallery than a place to get snacks.
Founder Crystal Lau told CTV News the idea for a local art vending machine was born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have a lot of friends who are artists and there were a lot of restrictions around art galleries and markets, so it was difficult for them to showcase their work and sell their work,” she says.
“I thought it would be a good way to showcase artists’ work. I think it’s about making art more accessible to both artists and the general public.”
Lau launched Vancouver Vending Co. in partnership with Downtown Van – the local business improvement association – less than a month ago, but is already seeing artwork flying off the shelves.
“It took off much faster than expected, so a lot of stuff is already sold out and we’re looking to restock soon,” she says.
At present, an art vending machine is installed in the Garden Court of the Bentall Centre. But Lau hopes to add more one day.
“I think this one is going to have a bit of a pop-up pattern where it’s going to be at the Bentall Center for the next three months and then the next location has to be determined,” she says.
“I’ve just started, but the goal is to get more around town.”
The vending machine will feature a rotating selection of local artists as items sell out, and a portion of the proceeds will be funneled back into the business.
“The funds we earn are used to purchase more artwork for the machine and donate to local arts organizations in Vancouver,” Lau explains.
One of the biggest challenges many artists face, Lau says, is that they sometimes don’t receive payments right away.
“For this project, to make it safer and better meet the needs of the artists, I am buying all the artwork from the artists in advance so they don’t have inventory in the machine they waiting to sell.”
Lau says the items inside the dispenser range from $1 to $60, with everything from art prints and stickers to earrings and other accessories.
There are around 10-15 artists featured in the project, including Emily Whiting, David Camisa, Rowan Wright, and Queer Reads Library.
“The majority of them are queer, trans, BIPOC artists from the community,” Lau explains.
Lau hopes this project will make it easier for budding artists to showcase their work.
“You don’t need to have a crazy wallet or a lot of inventory ready to go to participate,” she says.
It also makes art more accessible to those who might be too intimidated to visit an art gallery, adds Lau.
“You can cruise at your own pace and dip your toes into the local art scene in a way that suits you.”