May brings opportunities to explore new ideas, connect with community, and experience powerful storytelling in all its forms. From post-election insights to thought-provoking films, art exhibitions, and creative career-building, there’s something here to spark your curiosity.
2025 Federal Election: What’s next for Canada?
Thursday, May 1 | 12:00 – 1:15 PM | Online
Free
The votes are in, but what happens next? In this post-election session, UBC experts will break down the results of the 2025 federal election and explore how they could shape Canada’s economy, policy priorities, and place in the world. Moderated by Arts alum Robin Gill (BA’93), this timely conversation offers fresh insights into where we go from here.
Impos(s)able Impositions: Master of Fine Arts Graduate Exhibition
Friday, May 2 – Sunday, June 1 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Free
Explore bold new work from five emerging artists in UBC’s Master of Fine Arts program. Impos(s)able Impositions showcases the culmination of two years of studio research, experimentation, and collaboration. Featuring painting, photography, installation, and more, this exhibition invites viewers to engage with themes of identity, place, memory, and power.
In Search of Light: Hong Kong x Taiwan Documentary Short Films
Tuesday, May 6 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM | AERL 120
Free
Celebrate the final event of this year’s UBC Asian Independent Cinema Showcase with two acclaimed documentary shorts from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Cyclone and Colour Ideology Sampling.mov explore memory, resilience, and political symbolism through striking visual storytelling. A virtual Q&A with all three directors will follow the screening.
Arts Career Design Studio
May 7–8 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | UBC Robson Square
Free
This two-day, in-person intensive is designed for Arts undergrads (including those about to graduate!) You’ll clarify your career direction, build job search skills, and connect your degree to what comes next. You’ll also practice telling your story in resumes, interviews, and networking settings, and meet professionals working in a range of industries.
Remembering Tadmor: Exploring the Use of Digital Conservation After Destruction
Saturday, May 10 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | UBC Robson Square Theatre C400/420
Free
Join UBC Arts researchers for a conversation and hands-on workshop exploring how technologies like 3D printing and digital archiving are being used to protect cultural heritage. Learn about the ancient Syrian site of Palmyra, enjoy Syrian cuisine, and share your perspective on how cultural memory should be preserved for future generations.
Echo: Memories of the World
Saturday, May 31 | 7:30 PM | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $16–$70
Blending music, storytelling, and film, Echo is a powerful multimedia concert that explores memory, erasure, and resilience. Created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, the performance features Gryphon Trio, mezzo-soprano Marion Newman Nege’ga, and narrator Cheri Maracle. Through works by composers past and present, Echo honours those who have resisted oppression and invites reflection on how we carry history forward.
