Mandate, Facilities and Services
The City of Richmond provides and maintains a number of cultural and heritage facilities including the Library/Cultural Centre, which is home to the City's main Library branch, Museum, Arts Centre, Art Gallery and Archives.
Richmond is also home to the Gateway Theatre and several other public library branches. In addition, art programs are offered in all City community centres.
Public heritage facilities include Britannia Shipyards, London Farm, Minoru Chapel, Steveston Museum and the Steveston Interurban Tram. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a federal government facility.
The responsibility for daily operation and programming of these facilities is shared with City staff and local volunteer organizations.
Through the Planning & Development Department, the City also maintains an Online Heritage Inventory of privately-owned properties that have been designated as official heritage sites.
In addition, the City sponsors and supports an active Public Art Program that fosters the development of visual and performance art in our community.
Publicly-owned culture and heritage facilities are managed by the Arts, Culture and Heritage Services Department of the Community Services Division. The Public Art Program and the Heritage Inventory have been developed with the support of the Policy Planning Department in the Urban Development Division.
Arts Services Year in Review 2021
Arts and culture are fundamentally linked to quality of life and to the health and wellness of all citizens, shaping identities, fostering life-long learning, promoting creativity and innovation and engaging citizens across generations. The Arts Services Year in Review 2021 summarizes the progress made towards achieving the goals of the Arts Strategy and supporting the City’s vision “to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada.” 
Arts Services Year in Review 2021
Arts Services Year in Review 2020 Arts Services Year in Review 2019 Arts Services Year in Review 2018 2017 Arts Update 2016 Arts Update 2015 Arts Update 2014 Arts Update 2013 Arts Update 2012 Arts Update 2011 Arts Update 2010 Arts Update 2010 Arts & Culture Plan 2009 Arts Update
Richmond Arts Strategy 2019-2024
The Richmond Arts Strategy 2019-2024 serves as a guide for decision-making to empower ideas, people and resources around a shared vision and set of goals, strategies and tactics. Visit howartworks.ca for information about the strategy and to find out about other ways to get involved in the arts in Richmond.
Previous Art Strategies and Plans
Richmond Arts Strategy 2012-2017
2010 Arts & Culture Plan
2004 Arts Strategy
Email communityservices@richmond.ca for more information about the Richmond Arts Strategy.
Museum & Heritage Strategy
To make Richmond the "most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada", Richmond Museum and Heritage Services ensures the community’s museum and heritage needs are being met with a range of places, spaces, programs and services, provided both directly and in partnership with various organizations.
At this time, resources are being used to coordinate and prioritize museum and heritage planning, capital projects and operations within the City, including the need for expanded museum space and services.
Members from the Heritage Commission and Richmond Museum Society have been working with various groups, including community members, consultants, City staff, Tourism Richmond and the Chamber of Commerce, to ensure resources within the City and the development and operations of museum and heritage facilities are maximized to their fullest potential.
Museum and Heritage Services Update Year in Review 2019 Museum and Heritage Services Update Year in Review 2018 2017 Heritage Update 2016 Heritage Update 2015 Heritage Update 2012-2013 Heritage Update 2011 Heritage Update Museum and Heritage Strategy Museum and Heritage Strategy Display BoardsVisit the Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan section for more information.