Creative Forces Feature #7: Jim Carrico

“Survival of the Loudest: How a Vital Venue Beat the Odds”

Jim Carrico is a Creative Force! In the early 80s, he was right there at the very start of Vancouver’s DIY art scene where he founded Red Gate. Decades later, he is still the guardian of this iconic Vancouver venue. From the very beginning, Red Gate has always defied boxes - hosting everything from Japanese ambient sets to underground punk rock bands, all while having the pay-what-you-can system.

He describes Red Gate as a "cultural wildlife refuge”.

Read the full interview to hear Carrico talk about the importance of having spaces like this for ‘eccentric weirdos”, and his years of work to protect this non-corporate, non-hierarchical venue for the community.

Go check it out!
https://thetyee.ca/Culture/2026/05/01/How-Vital-Venue-Beat-Odds/ 

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Creative Forces is a Tyee + CreativeMornings/Vancouver series that spotlights people in the community who are using their creativity as a force for good. Nominate someone here.