March at Historic Joy Kogawa House

Our March Writer-in-Residence

Derrick Chang is recognized for supporting various community initiatives and artistic voices through his curatorial projects, research, and publications. A curator, writer, and facilitator, Derrick has been working in the arts and cultural development sectors since 2012. On March 1, 2020, he takes on a new role as Executive Director at Centre A.

Derrick holds a Masters of Art History with a focus in Critical and Curatorial Studies from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Derrick has held leadership and development roles at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, VIVO Media Arts, Artspeak, and the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery.

Derrick’s research critically examines the nature of ethics and politics in artistic practice. “My passion is in considering the influence that Asian identity has in a space where mainstream culture and local realities collide,” says Derrick. “In addition to contributing to conversations that engage art in an Asian context, I am excited to be leading an organization that responds to the conditions and diversity of Vancouver and Vancouver’s Chinatown.”

Derrick Chang will be living in residence at Historic Joy Kogawa House throughout the month of March 2020. On Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, 11am to 1pm (both days), Derrick will lead a two-day Wikipedia edit-a-thon. This is a great chance to add new entries and broaden the perspective of existing entries on the crowd-sourced information source. Please join us!

Demystifying the Social Media Universe

A little earlier in March, join us for a workshop on social media for writers.

From Instagram to Twitter to Tik Tok, the social media universe is an ever-evolving and at times, intimidating place. For writers, it may be hard to determine which social media platform is most effective at connecting with others, building profiles and promoting ones work. This two hour workshop will help to demystify the dizzying world of social media, while empowering attendees with the knowledge of which platforms may be best and why.

Claudia Laroye is a freelance writer, content creator and editor based in Vancouver. She writes about adventure, family, luxury and sustainable travel for a variety of online and print outlets around the world, including Explore magazine, Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, Matador, WestJet Magazine, Dreamscapes and BCAA’s Westworld magazines, Family Fun Canada, Twist Travel Magazine, TravelAgeWest, Roadstories, Vacay Network et al.

Claudia also makes regular appearances on television and radio, and is a brand ambassador and micro-influencer. When home, she enjoys walking her dog and sipping pineapple margaritas in her backyard garden. You can also find her online on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To register for the social media workshop and Wikipedia edit-a-thon, email info@kogawahouse.com.

[This event is postponed due to COVID-19.]