Exchange Hub
How can we source used materials and props to reduce excess consumption in this sector?
How can we share, sell or give away materials and other elements after disassembling exhibitions and theatre sets?
SAGE proposes two solutions: the SAGE Hub and the SAGE Directory.
SAGE Hub
Trade Materials with Barder.art
This is an free peer-to-peer material exchange platform for the arts sector to share materials to keep them in circulation within this community. Use this platform to post materials and items to sell, trade, lend, or give away to other organizations in this arts sector.
BARDER.art-BC was established by gallery workers in New York City, and now operates in several cities and regions. The aim is to foster industry connections and reduce costs by recovering and reusing materials and items from exhibitions and theatre sets, and contributing to a circular economy.
We encourage you to set up a free account and post materials and items that you want to sell or give away (or lend). When planning your exhibitions or theatre sets, we encourage you to look here first before purchasing new goods and materials.
Definition Circular Economy
An economic system based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products, especially as a means of continuing production in an environmentally sustainable way. Circular economy emphasizes environmental sustainability and economic efficiency by eliminating waste and extending the useful life of products and materials.
A system in which materials are continuously reused and repurposed, preventing them from becoming waste. Circular economy practices involve carefully planning and implementing processes that minimize waste, preserve resources, and extend the life of materials and products. This approach emphasizes selecting materials that can be reused, refurbished, recycled into new products, or composted.
By extending the life of materials in circulation or repurposing or regenerating them for reuse, organizations avoid waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions. See Circularity in the 5 Elements for further info.
SAGE Directory
Source & Donate Materials
Don’t have space to store materials and want to donate them now…or looking for used goods or materials that you don’t find in Barder.art-BC? The SAGE directory is a list of not-for-profit organizations and local small businesses that accept materials donations and sell used goods you may seek for props, and set or exhibition construction.
Note: The SAGE directory lists organizations in and around Metro Vancouver. If you are in another region, we encourage you to develop your own directory.
Also, please note we do not update this directory regularly, so some organizations selling and accepting used goods may come and go.