This photo was taken on East Hastings right by where the Smiling Buddha once stood, a place that bridged the divide between the east and west sides. Vancouver's underground punk scene was known to play shows up and down this street, with acts like D.O.A and The Dead Kennedys.
The Astoria Hotel, originally built as an apartment building, it has taken many forms over the years from low-income housing to a hotel and, more recently, due to gentrification, has reinvented itself as a destination for live music and weekly dance parties.
Sunrise Market sits on the corner of Powell and Gore, showing the success of a family that immigrated from China in 1956. Though they faced oppression and racism, they have successfully contributed to cultural revitalization in the area.
When you hear of the Vancouver Eastside, you often don't think of cute little character homes or flourishing nature, but outside of the homelessness, there are communities full of families.
Art is essential in Vancouver, especially in the DTES where it can be used as a voice to tell the stories of oppressed peoples.
