Gastown

ROLE: Producer & Digital Strategist
Agency: Cause+Affect

I was approached by Cause+Affect to assist the Gastown Business Improvement Association in releasing an Urban Design Study aimed at providing insights into how potential changes to the public realm might impact Gastown's business members, workers, residents, and visitors. This report, in conjunction with community feedback, played a pivotal role in shaping the GBIA's advocacy position and emphasizing community priorities to the City of Vancouver for targeted action.

In the context of envisioning an improved public realm for the neighborhood, various designers and artists were involved in an outdoor gallery exhibition on the exterior of the Vancouver Film School on Water Street.

My involvement commenced with a thorough understanding of the guiding principles and key intervention proposals. Utilizing these insights, I developed a comprehensive social media and advertising engagement strategy to enhance stakeholder involvement in the campaign, ultimately influencing Gastown's direction and recommendations.

To initiate this process, I delved into Gastown's history, uncovering its Old Soul. Exploring intriguing facts and pivotal moments in the town's past, I sifted through historical files, unearthing captivating images to pique community interest. A meticulously crafted a social media calendar that highlighted Gastown's evolution from then to now, enabling the community to comprehend the potential impact of decisions and participation on Gastown's future—a transition toward a New Soul. This campaign garnered significant engagement, drawing in new voices and perspectives. Throughout the campaign, I documented the process through imagery and videos for media outlets, resulting in widespread coverage and visibility of the installations.

This project not only contributed to the success of the Urban Design Study but also played a crucial role in fostering community engagement and dialogue around the future of Gastown. The work didn't stop there, as I transitioned into a social media management role to help roll out their new brand identity and capture events such as Meet Me Gastown, to name a few.