Octopus Studios

10 Artists

Octopus Studios was established in 2006 by Beata Kacy and provides low cost space for artists, artisans, and crafts people. The building features 3000 sq ft of workspace in the heart of Strathcona’s Japantown and typically has around 20 resident artists working in a wide range of media including painting, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, graphic design, and woodcraft. Built in 1904 or 1905, the building reflects the history of Japantown – providing businesses and housing to support the local working class community before WWII. By 1946, the building was demolished and later rebuilt, becoming an automotive repair shop, then a ship chandler, and finally an artist studio. The building has been witness to its share of Vancouver histories, including the 1907 race riot.