What is your ‘Rule for Vancouver’? Art exhibit asks

An unusual art exhibit is making Vancouverites ponder the “rules” for their own city.

The unconventional artwork dubbed “17 Rules for Vancouver” is supposed to be text-based and conceptual in nature, challenging and playing with the definitions of art, while also inviting viewers to participate and respond.

The “rules” were created by British artist Peter Liversidge, who lived in Vancouver during his International Artist Residency in 2014 and came up with 60 proposals for artworks after exploring the city.

Proposal #49 was to “write a set of Rules for Vancouver.”

It’s now one of the artworks on display at 10 transit shelters across Vancouver for commuters to interact, imagine or activate one of Liversidge’s rules.

The artwork is not perfect. It is meant to have typographical errors, after getting drafted on an analog typewriter.

While some of the rules are highly metaphorical, others are more practical. For example, one of the rules reads, “Walk along the shore returning all the flotsam & jetsam to the sea.”

Another is a tongue-in-cheek way to address the ‘dangers’ of rapid movement around the city, “Please walk slowly, do not run or show turns of speed. Vancouver can ill-afford further lawsuits, injury claims, or hospital visits resulting from careless foot placement.”

The final, No.17, simply reads, “Remember to keep looking.”

From today and until May 1, city dwellers can explore the artwork and make their opinions known – by voting on what “rules” they agree with in a Twitter poll and even suggesting their own “rule for Vancouver” by leaving a comment here.

The exhibit is part of the Vancouver Biennale, which is meant to be an Open Air Museum that makes art accessible to the masses.

It is available at the following transit stations:

Bute St. and Davie St.

West Pender St. and Carrall St.

Commercial Dr. and Adanac St.

Nootka St. and East 29th Ave.

Rupert St. and East Broadway

Slocan St. and Kingsway

Tyne St. and East 49th Ave.

Victoria Dr. and Upland Dr.

West 10th Ave. and Sasamat St.

West 4th Ave. and Highbury St.