Jericho Arts Centre: From Military Beginnings to Cultural Beacon
Explore the evolution of Vancouver’s Jericho Arts Centre—from WWII military roots to a thriving hub for theatre, arts, and community on the West Side.
WBN News Kitsilano
✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Kitsilano | April 27, 2025
Nestled at the edge of Jericho Park, overlooking English Bay and the North Shore Mountains, the Jericho Arts Centre (JAC) stands as one of Vancouver’s most unique community arts venues. Its history reflects a remarkable journey from utilitarian military beginnings to its present status as a beloved cultural hub, fostering creativity and connection in Vancouver’s West Side. https://placesthatmatter.ca/location/jericho-arts-centre/#:~:text=The%20Jericho%20Arts%20Centre%20Building%20was%20erected%20during%20WWII%20as,the%20officers%20and%20their%20guests.
Origins in the Second World War
The Jericho Arts Centre occupies a building originally constructed as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Jericho Beach Air Station, which played a significant coastal defense and training role during both World Wars. The military complex—established in 1941—housed barracks, training facilities, and administrative offices, serving as a strategic post for coastal defense. After the war, much of the site was gradually decommissioned, with some buildings repurposed for public use or demolished to make way for parkland and recreation.
From Barracks to Arts Centre
In the 1970s, as Jericho Park was taking shape as a civic green space, the former barracks and ancillary buildings found new life as community venues. The structure that would become the Jericho Arts Centre was slated for demolition but was saved by a group of local artists and theatre lovers who saw potential in its sturdy, if unremarkable, shell. With support from the City of Vancouver, the group transformed the space into a performance venue, rehearsal space, and art gallery.
Growth as a Cultural Hub
Since its formal establishment in the early 1980s, the Jericho Arts Centre has provided a home to numerous theatre companies, most notably the United Players of Vancouver, who have been resident since 1994. The Centre’s intimate black box theatre—seating around 150—hosts a vibrant schedule of plays, concerts, workshops, readings, and art exhibitions. The JAC has been a springboard for local playwrights and actors, a home for experimental work, and a cornerstone for community engagement in the arts.
Renovations and Accessibility
Over the decades, the JAC has benefited from renovations and upgrades—often through volunteer efforts and community fundraising—to improve seating, lighting, accessibility, and amenities. Its rustic charm and natural surroundings make it a favorite for artists and audiences alike, especially during summer when the adjacent park comes alive.
Community and Future
Today, Jericho Arts Centre continues to embody the spirit of grassroots cultural development. It regularly partners with schools, youth groups, and community organizations for workshops and outreach. The JAC’s resilience through the challenges of the pandemic and ongoing support from the City and Vancouver arts community attest to its value.
As the Jericho Lands are eyed for future redevelopment, the importance of preserving such cultural venues is ever more apparent. For now, the JAC stands as a living legacy of adaptation, community spirit, and the transformative power of the arts.
Tags: #WBN News -Kitsilano #Karalee Greer #Kitsilano #Jericho Arts Centre #Community Theatre #Vancouver History #Jericho Park
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