Canadian Animators Guild holds first ‘Animators Art Market’ in Vancouver
The event aimed to help artists sell their work and build a sense of community
There were 29 artists selling their work at the CAG's "Animator's Art Market" on Aug. 25. (Stella Biscaia)
The Canadian Animation Guild (CAG) held its first “Animator’s Art Market,” which was an opportunity for artists to sell their art and highlight the animation community in B.C., on Aug. 25 at the Russian Hall auditorium in Vancouver.
Heather Arm, chair of the Pride committee for the CAG, says there were 29 artists selling illustrations, fandom items, cartoons, buttons, and other art products.
The event had two main goals — make the public aware of B.C. artists they can buy products from and create a community for artists to join.
The event was also an opportunity for CAG to showcase the talented artists who are part of the animation union and work in the industry and the city, Arm says.
CAG secretary Eduardo Pereira says that as part of their union, they mostly represent artists who generally have a full-time job in the animation industry, but also many people who make their own personal art.
“We are always trying to build up a sense of community in the arts in Vancouver,” Pereira says.
“Since a lot of us are still working from home, there tends to be a bit of isolation for the people who do this work, and I think it is very important for people to have that sense of belonging …. Events like this are an opportunity for … people to just hang out in a public space, interact with each other, and build those connections because all of that ties back into what the unit is for.”
Working in a union helps create a bond with other members since you work with them every day for at least eight hours, Pereira says, adding that events such as the “Animator’s Art Market” promote the creation of this bond.
“[In the film industry], you can rely on getting work because we do a lot of contract-based work, [which] is based on referrals a lot of the time. So the more people you know, the safer position you are in to get more work.”
The CAG is a branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), formed a few years ago to represent Canadian animation and video game workers mostly in B.C.
Arm says the union has been growing and that in recent years, the CAG has felt the need to be more helpful.
“There’s been a lot of slow times the last couple of years in the industry because of various labour reforms happening. There’s been different strike actions in the live-action industry. That’s affected us a little bit,” Arm says.
“[The CAG is] growing, and we have it expanding through different workplaces. If anyone has questions or would like to learn more, … please reach out to the IATSE local via our Instagram or Facebook, or reach out to the organizers, who would be happy to answer questions.”
For more information about the CAG visit, shorturl.at/DE9tB, or its Instagram @cag.938 and Facebook page.
