Nourish Wonder.
Inspire Action.
Care For All.

“Her work is amazing and necessary. Humbly and vitally, Vanessa is a highly skilled practitioner and orchestrator of transformation.”

– Rita Wong, poet

communities + COLLABORATION + CULTURE

I work as a transdisciplinary artist, facilitator and educator. With a passion for communities, collaboration and culture, my work aims to move us towards life affirming change.

Working across industries with social impact leaders, community organizers, governments, affinity groups and schools, my commitment is to elevate the art of community building, change making and people power.

With 30+ years of experience in performance, music, poetry and celebration arts, I invite you into embodied ways of fathoming history, futures and inquiries.

I bring my love of people and collaborative instincts to lift ideas – and transform pragmatics into poetics.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Community Engagement & Civic Imagination
Built Environment & Public Space
Diversity & Inclusion
Social Justice
Black History/Futurity & Diasporas
Social Enterprise
Youth Empowerment

Areas of practice

Gathering

Capacity Building

Speaking & Commentary

Creating

LET'S COLLABORATE.

I take pleasure in working across sectors with social impact leaders, organizers, governments, affinity groups, schools and other artists. Let’s find a time to explore what’s possible together.

Testimonials

Yesterday was one of the best things that ever happened.

adrienne maree brown

Writer, Activist, Facilitator, Author of "Emergent Strategy"

Vanessa Richards is a generous, kind-hearted dynamo and force of nature who lives, eats, breathes new ways of thinking about community as a matter of everyday practice. Her extensive arts-based approach to community leadership comes from decades of experience and study, and provides unique methodologies and new pathways to bring together different voices - she's one-of-a-kind.

Am Johal

Director, Vancity Office of Community Engagement, and Co-Director, Community Engaged Research Initiative, Simon Fraser University

Vanessa Richards is a unique and extraordinary guide, facilitator, activator and magician, in bringing forth depth, meaning, purpose and respect in people, organizations and movement building. She is a joy to work with, dedicated to bringing forth the highest potential in whatever she touches.

Joel Solomon

Founding Partner, Renewal Funds

Vanessa is a powerful force for good in the world. She is a sharp analyst of social and design challenges. And she is a wise teacher.

Charles Montgomery

Urbanist, Award-Winning Author of "Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design" and Founder of Happy Cities urban planning, design and architecture firm

Vanessa brought us into a 1.5-hour experience of the tapestry of emancipation in the past, present and future leaving participants emboldened, brightened, educated and empowered.

Carolyn Arthur

Policy Advisor, Public Services & Procurement Canada

Her work is amazing and necessary. Humbly and vitally, Vanessa is a highly skilled practitioner and orchestrator of transformation.

Rita Wong

Poet; Asst. Professor, Emily Carr University of Art & Design

Vanessa Richards keynote presentation exceeded our wildest expectations! She worked with the themes of our colloquium to lead us in song and reflection and helped create the most welcoming and inclusive environment I have ever experienced in an academic conference. We were all in awe of the transformation that took place in the room!

Baharak Yousefi, MLIS, MA

Co-Organizer, 2016 Gender & Sexuality in Information Studies Colloquium, Simon Fraser University

Vanessa is a visionary who saw opportunity for community engagement and outreach in all areas of our artistic and social practice during our 50th anniversary season. She developed partnerships that not only provided opportunity for diversifying our audience, she also engaged in accessibility initiatives that invited new audiences into our venues.

Peter Cathie White

Executive Director, Arts Club Theatre Company

As host of our Emerge event, Vanessa animated and brought everyone together in a way seldom felt at online – or even offline – events.

Nigel Mojica

Co-Host, RADIUS Fellowship Simon Fraser University

I have seen countless times how she has moved and motivated groups to access shockingly deep levels of connection, creativity and, simply put, joy. Vanessa possesses a singular mix of creative gifts, deft skill and intuitive wisdom to bring out the best in people.

Madeleine Shaw

Social Entrepreneur, Author of "The Greater Good: Social Entrepreneurship for Everyday People Who Want to Change the World"

Vanessa brings vivacity, intelligence, humour and compassion to every setting. Her curiosity is powerful. Her imagination is capacious and inviting.

Eric Miller

Former Director, Community Arts Council of Vancouver

You intuitively invoked the creative side of my soul to collaborate with the room. You lead with such sincere and authentic harmony. You are a mother of energy.

Stephanie Gross

CEO, Founder, Bumby Wool

Vanessa is a kind and powerful person who thinks carefully but fiercely. She is someone you want on your side and someone you will be proud to have worked with.

Matt Hern

Co-Director, Solid State Community Industries

In the days since your workshop, I've paused to reflect on a number of points you raised and the way in which you introduced them, in layers, gently but directly.

Aleks Besan

Mentorship Program Coordinator, Vines Art Festival

All of my students were blown away. I honestly haven’t seen them that inspired by a speaker. Vanessa rocked ’em!

Josh Hite

Instructor, Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Vanessa was extremely engaging and created a very safe and empowering environment for the youth.

Sindy Angel

Family & Youth Outreach Worker, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. BC Settlement & Integration Services

When I think of undertaking projects that I hope will be deeply intellectual and yet very practical and grounded locally, Vanessa Richards is one of the first, if not the first person I turn to - always.

Handel Kashope Wright

Professor, Director, Centre for Culture, Identity & Education, University of British Columbia