10 Arts events not to miss in September



September is here, along with a string of exciting virtual and in-person activities: from first-week events like Imagine UBC and KickstART, to art exhibitions and talks, there’s something for everyone. Kick off your year with this list of top 10 events.


Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience Exhibition

August 6 – January 3, 2021 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Museum of Anthropology
Entry with pre-booked admission ticket

This exhibition by Kent Monkman is a journey that reclaims and reinserts Indigenous voices into the collective memory of Canada, challenging and shattering colonial ideas of our history. On its final stop at UBC, this critically acclaimed travelling exhibition will feature nearly 80 pieces, including Monkman’s own paintings, installations and sculptures, in dialogue with historical artifacts loaned from museums and private collections across Canada.


Wellbeing in Nature: A Guided Virtual Experience

Wednesday, September 2 | 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. | Online event
Free with registration

Looking for some time away to reconnect with nature and yourself? Sign up for this free mindfulness session where you’ll have the chance to slow down, meditate and feel re-energized! This session, which is brought to you by UBC Recreation and UBC Botanical Garden, will be held virtually and can be joined straight from your backyard, patio or local park.


Soundings: An Exhibition in Five Parts

September 8 – December 6 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Morris and Helen Belkin Gallery
Free admission

Curated by Candice Hopkins and Dylan Robinson, this exhibition features newly commissioned scores, performances, videos, sculptures and sound by Indigenous and other artists who respond to the question, how can a score be a call and tool for decolonization?

During the exhibition, these scores are activated at specific moments, gradually filling the gallery and surrounding public spaces with sound and action.


Imagine UBC 2020

Tuesday, September 8 | Online event | Open to all UBC students

Imagine UBC is an event that most students never forget. At this year’s first-ever virtual Imagine Day, you’ll meet some great people – including other students, your Dean and some of your future professors. This is your first chance to learn about your new academic environment and the expectations of your Faculty.

You can also attend virtual events, including the Pep Rally and departmental orientation events, and visit over 350+ virtual club booths at the Main Event.


AUS First Week: KickstART 2020

September 9 – 12 | Online event | Open to all Arts students

Enjoy a string of events over four days planned by your Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS). This year’s events include painting sessions, yoga and an online pub quiz. Best of all, this year’s KickstART is free and will take place twice daily to accommodate all time zones.

Stay tuned as this will be a great opportunity to meet your future Arts classmates and upper-year students, and get a sneak peek of what the next four years have in store.


UBC Recreation Free Week

September 14 – 20 | Online event
Free with registration

From online Boot Camps to Dance, Zumba and everything in between, all UBC Recreation classes from September 14 – 20 are free to try with no experience required. Grab a friend and check out any of the classes that capture your interest. All classes will be free for the whole week, but will require advanced online registration.


Winnifred Eaton Archive Launch

Wednesday, September 16 | 12 p.m. | Online event
Free with registration

The Winnifred Eaton Archive is a research and teaching tool providing access to over 200 works by the popular Asian North American author, journalist, screenwriter and playwright Winnifred Eaton (1875-1954). At the launch, you’ll be introduced to the many ways the archive can be used for research and how students and researchers can get involved in the second phase of the project.


Museum of Anthropology Visual + Material Culture Seminar Series

September 17 – November 26 | 4 p.m. | Online event
Free with registration

This interdisciplinary seminar series featuring six talks is open to anyone with an interest in visual and material culture across different departments at UBC and beyond. The first seminar will feature a discussion of the works of Ninagawa Mika, one of Japan’s most celebrated fashion photographers, by Colleen Laird, Assistant Professor of Japanese Film and Popular Culture at UBC.

Held every other Thursday, this seminar series will provide an opportunity for attendees to share research and exchange ideas.


UBC Connects Talk: “Our Existences are Political”: Identity and History as Pathways for Transformation

Wednesday, September 23| 2:30 – 4 p.m. | Online event
Free with registration

In 2019, James Makokis and Anthony Johnson became the first two-spirit Indigenous couple to win The Amazing Race Canada. In this talk, Makokis and Johnson will share their personal transformations, from their early years facing adversity around two-spirit and Indigenous identities to a lifetime of education, transforming them into leaders, activists and role models.


UBC Homecoming

September 25 – 27 | Online event

UBC’s Homecoming is a celebrated tradition to kick-off the academic year and our biggest school spirit event. Join our global alumni community for a weekend of UBC pride including a virtual cooking class, an online trivia night, and complimentary admissions to UBC attractions. The weekend starts with a virtual celebration featuring an all-star line-up of UBC notables and guests, including hip-hop and soul singer Missy D, Raptors 905 head coach Jama Mahlalela, and music journalist and musician Nardwuar.