UBC Connects at Robson Square

At UBC Connects at Robson Square, we host free, accessible public programming to amplify UBC research and education and engage deeply with diverse communities across Metro Vancouver. In our vibrant and accessible space, we welcome faculty, students, staff, community partners, and the public to join us for thought-provoking, inspiring, and enjoyable public discourse and dialogue.

If you are you interested to attend future UBC Connects events, please sign up for the UBC Connects newsletter and check back here to learn more as new events are announced! 

Are you interested to organize a UBC Connects at Robson Square event? Then we want to hear from you!  Please follow the link below to tell us about the kind of event you want to plan and we will be in touch.

UBC CONNECTS INQUIRY FORM

Have questions about UBC Connects at Robson Square?

Please reach us at connects.robsonsquare@ubc.ca

Program Testimonial

“UBC Connects at Robson Square played a crucial role in bringing the Cinema Thinks the World film screening [series] to life at UBC. Being located downtown, UBC Connects managed to bring a series of six films, as well as the scholarly discussions that surrounded them, to a wider Vancouver public.”

— Dr. William Brown, Assistant Professor, Department of Theatre and Film

Explore past events, photos, and stories about UBC Connects at Robson Square

Events

Find more Connects events on our events page >>

Connects in the News

Find more news and stories

Photo Gallery

View the photo gallery of past events

The 2-year pilot of UBC Connects at Robson Square was a great success. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the vibrant events and activities that enlivened UBC Robson Square as a space for public engagement. 

  • Events hosted: 40 
  • Community Partner Organizations Engaged: 56 
  • UBC Departments Engaged: 49 
  • Total funding awarded: $168,000 
  • Number of Attendees: More than 10,000 

Types of Events

  • Pop-up concert
  • Workshop
  • Film Screening
  • Panel discussion
  • Symposium
  • Artist talk
  • Exhibition

20-200 attendees
per event

From small pop-up concerts and workshops to larger events like exhibitions, panel discussions, and film screenings.

96%

of attendees left events with new knowledge, fresh insights, or novel perspective on an issue.

86%

of attendees said they would seek out follow-up activities, such as joining an organization or connecting with the speakers after an event.

92%

of attendees would return to UBC Robson Square for future events.

65%

of UBC Connects at Robson Square events focused Anti-racism and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

35%

of UBC Connects at Robson Square events focused Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Sustainability

15%

of UBC Connects at Robson Square events focused Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation

To date, 60% of funding has been delivered to faculties, with the remaining 40% awarded to community partners. For every event, applicants receive assistance from a dedicated Public Engagement Specialist, who provides support in planning, program delivery, communications, and on-site coordination.

UBC departments and units:

  • Faculty of Applied Science
    • School of Nursing –Transformative Health and Justice Research Cluster (THJRC)
  • Faculty of Education
    • Research-based Theatre Lab
    • SOGI UBC (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Inclusive Education)
  • Faculty of Arts
    • Centre for Asian Canadian Research and Engagement (ACRE)
    • Department of Theatre & Film
    • Hong Kong Studies Initiative
    • School of Music
  • Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (UBCO)
  • Faculty of Forestry
  • Climate Hub
  • Public Humanities Hub

Community partners:

  • Pacific Institute for Mathematical Sciences (PIMS)
  • Liu Institute Network for Africa
  • CityHive
  • Out in Schools
  • Bike Kitchen
  • hua foundation
  • Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration
  • Shake Up the Establishment
  • The Ismaili Centre, Vancouver

Program Testimonial

“We often hear that audience members from downtown feel UBC is too far out for them to travel to attend concerts. By demonstrating the quality and range of music making that takes place on campus, we begin to develop recognition for the work that we do and encourage new audiences to come out to campus to attend events. […] We feel that this is an impactful outreach that should be continued. Moreover, we have many ideas for future collaborations.”

— Dr. T. Patrick Carrabre, Director and Professor of Music, UBC School of Music

Program Testimonial

“UBC Connects provided the Transformative Health and Justice Research Cluster (THJRC) an opportunity to host a community event that brought together voices from intersecting departments, organizations and universities. THJRC values this opportunity, as many community organizations do not have the funding to put on these events, but would like the ability to reach a wider audience and connect more with the community of Vancouver and beyond.”

— Samantha Young, Project Coordinator of UBC’s Transformative Health and Justice Research Cluster (THJRC)

Program Testimonial

“There is a growing interest to bridge research and student learning with community connections in a reciprocal exchange.”

— Christine Lee, Associate Director of Arts Alumni Engagement

We Want to Hear from You! 

Your feedback is invaluable to us. We invite you to share your experiences and thoughts about the program. Your input will help us continue to create meaningful and engaging programs that connect the UBC community with the broader public. 

Give us your feedback