Jacqueline Banz, Director of RAW:Vancouver (and self-proclaimed “crazy Swiss miss”), gets it. Helping spread all types of art across Vancouver, she is passionate about connecting artists of different disciplines both on and offline in creative ways.
RAW:natural born artists, as a concept, launched in California in 2009 and started its Vancouver operation in August of 2013. Now, Jacqueline is gearing up for the next RAW event happening this Friday night—so grab your tickets and dig into Vancouver’s underground arts. RAWk your night away, RAWsomely.
Sad Mag: Who are you?
Jacqueline Banz: A very philosophical question.
Always myself. I would say I’m very authentic and genuine, as it is a philosophy of life that I have. I do what I like to do. I’m a crazy Swiss miss who has come to Vancouver for the mountains. (I know! Leaving one mountainous region for another!)
Originally I’m from a small town in Switzerland, growing up hearing cowbells day and night—no wonder I developed a curiosity for other nationalities and have been fortunate to explore over 40 countries across 6 continents so far. Vancouver was always a city that felt homey to me, so 2 years ago, I made it my home officially. Travel, music, art, and athletic pursuits have always been a passion for me. I’ve been a drug pusher (prescription and chocolate), event planner, marketer and volunteer. I used to play the trumpet extremely well, just don’t ask me to pick one up ever again. I own a piano… but I don’t play. So who am I? A little of this and a pinch of that with much more to come…and absolutely comfortable being me.
SM: Why are you passionate about art?
JB: Passion is a word I like in this context, as passion should be the driving force behind art. I believe that passion equals success. What I like about art is that art is a true expression of passion, individualism, creativity and personality. The more authentic art is the more touching it usually is.
I always see beauty everywhere; I always have. I’m a very visual person and notice little things that are extraordinary and beautiful, in nature for example.
SM: What can you tell me about RAW?
JB: RAW:natural born artists is an indie arts organization, founded in 2009 in California. We showcase local, independent artists in film, fashion, music, art, performing art, hair, makeup, photography, accessories and more. Our mission is to provide independent artists, within the first 10 years of their career, with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity.
We currently operate in over 70 cities internationally. We had our Canadian launch events in Vancouver on August 23 and in Montréal on August 29, 2013. We are proud to announce that RAW will soon also be offering bi-monthly showcase opportunities in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg! Stay tuned for more info!
SM: What makes this RAW event special?
JB: What is really unique about our RAWartists events is that we bring together all genres of art in one night and give local talents a showcase platform on a regular basis in front of 800+ guests. In every showcase, you get to see a short film, live music, runway shows, including the work of young designers, hair & makeup artists and accessory designers. You also get to see the work of local artists, photographers, sculptors, jewelry designers and so on, followed by an after-party. A RAWsome night out for about the price of a burger!
We are not a white-wall gallery, we are not an arts festival, we are not your standard fashion show, nor are we trying to be any of these things. We are all about the everyday extraordinary artists that live and work in our communities. Talented people that create amazing works that compose the fabric of our creative generation. We are aiming to take a snapshot of the creative culture locally as well as internationally.
RAW provides a platform for the local community to see, hear and love the artists that are living and working in their own back yard! We create a fun environment for artists to showcase their work, and the community to attend.
Each hand-selected artist receives an on-camera interview that is edited for their portfolio. Photos and video material capture them as artists as well as their work or performance and allows them additional tools to promote themselves in the industry. RAW doesn’t take a commission of any sales. Once a RAW artist joins the community they can also take advantage of our international network. Artists can showcase in any of our RAW cities. We host a giant indie arts awards show, RAWards, in the beginning of the year also. Artists get big career building prizes, consultations, gallery placement, store placement, products and services to help them build their careers. Our online hub is also a benefit—our RAW artists have an online profile to display their work, music and videos.
I’m super happy with the quality of the 40 booked artists for the November 22nd showcase. We certainly showcase some of the cities most talented artists and some of them, despite their young age, have already been recognized both nationally and internationally. You can check them out here.
SM: Are you an artist? What medium do you practice in?
JB: I’m mostly a supporter of artists. I was a very talented trumpet player, but left it behind when I entered university, much to everybody’s disappointment. My mother was a professional “fashion designer”, to use a modern word. I used to help her with carnival costume designs and really enjoyed it. I like to paint on canvases, and while traveling I try to capture the local life and nature in my photographs. I love to be creative and to create. I created a lamp out of a barrel once, and have designed rings. I love to work with wood and on my bucket list is to design wooden furniture one day.
SM: What is inspiring you right now?
JB: It’s very inspiring and satisfying to be acting as kind of a “talent scout” for artists and to be able to help artists gain more exposure and notoriety.
I find inspiration in nature, cooking, interior design and the honesty and creativity that children have in them.
SM: Favourite Vancouver arts venue?
JB: Gossip Nightclub during a RAW:Vancouver showcase, of course!
SM: Three words to describe the upcoming RAW show.
JB: Unique, varied, must-see!
Seriously, RAW:Vancouver is not to be missed. Happening Friday, November 22, check out the event details here. Find out more about the concept online, on Facebook, and on Twitter.