The Artery

Love this venue! Words can’t describe it. I’m sure there’s some words, but me typing them would mean nothing. Just check this place out

We have been to a handful of shows at The Artery. It is actually licensed as a theatre, so it is a bit of a different venue for Edmonton.
Depending on the time of year, parking can be a chore. It is a one-​way (heading West) and there is free angle parking located on the south side of the street. There is also a small pay lot but it is not paved so it can be very soft/​mucky depending on the time of the year.
It is in a questionable neighborhood, but that means the rent is cheap and they can provide a venue to some of the starving artists here in Edmonton. Let’s face it folks, if you are creatively talented, it is not easy to make money in this city.
The Artery, as it’s name suggests showcases art. Live bands, live theatre, fashion and art shows. They are licensed to provide liquor for 18+ events. They also throw a brunch every once in a while. It is community run, multi-​disciplinary, unique and versatile space. I have used it as a patron and very recently as an artist.
Don’t let the neighborhood scare you away. The inside of the building is comfortable and inviting. The studio upstairs is absolutely beautiful.
They have a Facebook page which I have found is the easiest way to keep up with the live shows during the week and on the weekends.
The venue is available to rent for performances, but give yourself a lot of lead time as they are often booked months in advance.

This place is way cooler than anything you might expect in Edmonton. It’s one part art gallery (featuring way cool local artists and all kinds of weird stuff up on the walls) and one part performance venue. The performances could be anything. A hipster band, improv, or maybe some kind of mixer.
Nothing major for food, drinks are a couple of local IPAs, and if I remember correctly, it’s cash only here. I really love the idea of this place. It’s like a giant old house, mostly split into two big rooms on the big floor, and the areas are big enough to accomodate almost any kind of event. Definitely worth checking out!

Smack in the middle of one of the seedier parts of town, this space is without a doubt the loveliest venue in town for small arts, indie and punk related events, feeling more like a large house than a business. A small corner stage with sparkly backdrop looks out onto a room full of candlelit tables; food, drinks and brown-​bagged POPCORN — with an array of DIY seasonings — make it a step above the usual bar venue. ARTery also does all-​ages shows and apparently killer weekend brunches (though I’ve yet to try one).

The ARTery is part art gallery, part lounge, part artisan studio, part creative social space. It is a co-​creation of many artists in the community, and there’s always something new going on there. I’ve see artwork exhibited in the gallery space — photography, painting, mixed media and more.
I’ve also browsed the racks and tables featuring local crafts, clothing, accessories and more by Edmonton designers. On more than one occasion, I’ve milled around enjoying the creative space and people in it. There’s a café at the back and the venue is often the site of concerts and dance performances by groups like Mile Zero Dance, flamenco dancers, local musicians and visiting artists. It’s located a bit of a hike from the LRT, so bundle up if you’re heading over during the winter. Also there’s not much traffic in this part of downtown after 5 so I recommend you travel in packs.