Is This Working? is a week-long, independent group exhibition and public activation taking place in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood. In a renovated, architecturally compelling warehouse rarely accessed by the public, this project brings together community, creativity, and cultural relevance.
Through a curated lineup of creative and multidisciplinary collaborators, this group show will explore the tensions, absurdities, and poetics of productivity, value, and the invisible structures that shape how—and why—we work. Expect a full spectrum of provocative and creative responses that embody the space between design, art, fashion and wellness—offering a moment of pause within the rhythm of the 9 to 5.
The exhibition is free and open to the public daily from 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM,
with additional events and activations throughout the week.
Exhibition Dates
18 — 24 September 2025
Location
828 East Hastings, Vancouver, BC
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Date: 18 September 2025
Time: 6—9pm
Tickets: $20
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Date: 20 September 2025
Time: 9:30am—12:30pm
Tickets: $75
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Date: 23 September 2025
Time: 6—9pm
RSVP
The vision for Is This Working? has been made possible by the generosity of an incredible group of community + values aligned Partners.
Presenting Partners.
Community Partners.
Event Partners.
Is This Working? is an independent exhibition co-curated by Laura Melling, Renske Werner, and Jody Phillips—three longtime contributors to the West Coast design and culture scene.
The exhibition invites artists, designers, and the public to explore how we think about work, value, and productivity today—and to do so with curiosity, care, and a healthy dose of questioning. The intention is not to present a single answer, but to hold space for diverse voices and experiences to be shared.
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Art & Experience,
Naut’sa mawt Resource GroupJody is a strategist and cultural producer with a decade-plus of shaping exhibitions, programs, and design experiences from Vancouver to abroad.
Formerly at the helm of IDS Vancouver, she now leads the Art & Experience department at Naut’sa mawt, working at the intersection of culture, place, and community. She’s also pursuing graduate studies in Urban Studies at SFU, deepening her commitment to creative, community-driven city-building.
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Founder & Creative Director,
Melling Studio
Laura is a designer and creative director whose work explores the intersection of space, feeling, and the human experience—drawing on principles of neuroaesthetics and sensory design.Her studio practice blends warm minimalism with nature-inspired materials, resulting in environments that are both grounded and expressive. Guided by optimism, curiosity, and collaboration, Laura approaches each project as an opportunity to connect people through thoughtful design.
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Artist & Illustrator
Renske is an artist and illustrator working across illustrated maps, animations, editorial pieces, and large-scale murals. Her practice spans both public and client-based work—rooted in a desire to create approachable, uplifting experiences.With a foundation in writing and publishing, Renske brings a narrative lens to her artwork. Just like stories, she believes that art has the power to prompt reflection, spark emotion, or simply add moments of delight to the everyday.
Aileen Lee
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Minahil Bukhari & Mustaali Raj
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Ghislain Brown-Kossi
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Shora Parvaresh
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Mahatta Price
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Sarah Lesher
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Motiv Architects
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Adele Tetangco
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Aileen Lee — Minahil Bukhari & Mustaali Raj — Ghislain Brown-Kossi — Shora Parvaresh — Mahatta Price — Sarah Lesher — Motiv Architects — Adele Tetangco —
Shora Parvaresh, Noble Architects
Minahil Bukhari & Mustaali Raj
Sarah Lesher
Aileen Lee, Vestige Story
Motiv Architects
Adele Tetangco, Snack Size
Mahatta Price
Ghislain Brown-Kossi
Khorshid Naderi-Azad, Wally Wool