Things are coming to an end. March and April can feel like a whirlwind of “finals” — not just final projects and exams but also final exchanges with some professors, classmates, and communities on campus. Despite the stress and reminiscence that characterises these last few weeks of school, it is also a time when student creativity flourishes.
What are the artsy kids (A.K.A. the cool kids) up to as we wrap up yet another school year?
March 30: Paper Shell Student Anthology Launch
Paper Shell is UBC Okanagan’s anthology of student writing, edited and published by your very own students of the course, Creative Writing 472.
On March 30, 2026, Paper Shell will celebrate its 20th publication with a launch party at 2 p.m. in the foyer of the Creative and Critical Studies Building.
At the event, you can purchase the newest issue of Paper Shell, which showcases poetry and prose by students from various cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines. There will also be live readings by some of the featured authors.
April 1: The Voice UBCO
Do you have what it takes to win a Nintendo Switch 2, AirPods Pro, or Soundcore Boost Bluetooth Speaker? The Voice UBCO is a singing competition with a massive prize pool of over $1000.
The Karaoke Club is collaborating with The Well Student Pub, SUO Events, The Beats, and The Music Club to provide a platform for our campus’ hidden vocal talents at The Well on April 1, 2026 (no, this is not April Fool’s).
The competition starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available on Rubric, where singers can enter the competition for a fee of $10, and audiences can sign up to watch for free.
April 7–8: Zine Fair
Every year, the Okanagan Special Collections & Archives hosts a two-day zine fair at COM 004 to showcase unique self-published booklets and magazines created by UBCO students. Featuring manifestos, fiction, poetry, visual art, and works that subvert conventional literary genres, these booklets exemplify the diversity of student thought and creative expression.
Most zines at the fair are free for the taking. Additionally, Paper Shell and student chapbooks from Creative Writing 472 will also be available for purchase at the fair.
April 8: That’s What [We] Said Journal Launch
Students from the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies program present the eighth volume of That’s What [We] Said, a queer intersectional feminist journal of creative and critical works by the UBCO community. With 48 submissions, this is their biggest volume yet.
The launch party will take place on April 8, 2026, at the UNC Ballroom, from 5-8p.m.. There will be an open mic, free pizza, zine-making, and a giveaway raffle. Register through the Google form posted on the journal’s Instagram account (@thatswhatwesaidjournal).
April 9: “Toast & Jam” Spoken Word Showcase
Students of Creative Writing 384 have arranged an end-of-term showcase to present their original spoken word performances on April 9, 2026, at 12–2p.m. in CCS 144. The event is open to all. Come cheer, snap, whistle, or whoop for your friends in this brave space of movement and expression.
April 10–12: Palimpsest Theatre Production
Students of Theatre 280/480, led by Tracy Ross, present an original devised theatre piece that explores the messy, beautiful way we “overwrite” our own lives.
A palimpsest is a parchment that has been erased and reused, still bearing visible traces of its earlier form. The show explores how our past experiences linger beneath the surface of who we are today, investigating memory, identity, and the marks we leave on one another.
There will be four shows taking place at the University Theatre (ADM 026): April 10 at 7:00 p.m, April 11 at 1:30 p.m and 7:00 p.m, and April 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are available for $10 and can be purchased in person or via email: in-person at CCS 152 on Wednesdays from 2:15–3:30 p.m., or email Ross (tracy.ross@ubc.ca) to reserve a ticket or arrange a pickup.
For some Arts courses like Creative Writing and Theatre, hard work comes to fruition not through answering exam questions or summarising course content in a seven-page essay, but making art that embodies the skills and ideas that were developed throughout the term.
Show up to the above events to witness our students’ artistic talents, or even to present your own: sing a song in front of a supportive crowd at The Well or read your work at the That’s What [We] Said open mic. Finals season might feel like all the fun is over, but you are not left alone in boredom to cram for good grades, at least not before the curtains close at Palimpsest.
.png){kind=small}
