Imagine a place where art and music come alive, not just for your eyes and ears, but for your hands and feet too. Now, picture this wonderland opening its doors for free to seniors and students on specific days. That’s exactly what Victoria’s ‘Artcade’ is doing over the next two months, and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this initiative coincides with a massive expansion that promises to take the experience to a whole new level.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Victoria at 706 Fort St., Monkey C Interactive’s Artcade (https://www.artcade.ca/) is a unique space that encourages a hands-on, screen-free approach to interactive art and music. Think of it as a playground for creativity, where you can twist dials, press buttons, and even step on platforms to engage with the exhibits in ways that feel both intuitive and surprising. It’s not just about observing art—it’s about becoming a part of it.
For three upcoming Thursdays—January 29, February 26, and March 26—from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., seniors and post-secondary students can explore this immersive world without spending a dime. And this is the part most people miss: the free admission days are strategically timed to celebrate the Artcade’s ambitious expansion, the Alien Lab, set to open later this spring. This 1,000-square-foot addition will transform the former Steveson’s Shoe Clinic space, a local landmark that closed last year after nearly a century in business, into a hub of new rooms and musical machines. Controversial question: Is it right to repurpose historic spaces for modern attractions, or does it erase a piece of our past?
Scott Amos, co-founder of Monkey C Interactive, describes the Alien Lab as a place to “push curiosity even further—a space for experimentation, wonder, and joyful noise.” Funded in part by the City of Victoria’s Storefront Activation Program (https://www.victoria.ca/city-government/news/creative-hubs-open-doors-downtown-victoria) and designed in collaboration with Creative BC and the British Columbia Arts Council, this expansion is a testament to the community’s commitment to fostering creativity. For locals, Monkey C’s name might ring a bell—they’re the brains behind the musical handrails (https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/arts-culture/find-landmarks-public-art/musical-interactive-railing) that once graced the Yates Street parkade.
Whether you’re a senior looking to relive the joy of discovery or a student seeking inspiration, the Artcade’s free days are a golden opportunity. But don’t just take our word for it—watch this deep dive into the Artcade from a 2024 CHEK VIBE segment (https://cheknews.ca/vibe-victoria-artcade-where-vintage-meets-modern-in-interactive-wonderland-1202048/) to see the magic in action. And here’s a thought to leave you with: In a world dominated by screens, do we need more spaces like the Artcade to reconnect with our tactile, creative selves? Let us know what you think in the comments!
