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| Ian Gill and Zoë Grams | |
New Canadian indie bookseller Upstart & Crow has opened at 1387 Railspur Alley in Vancouver, B.C. Quill & Quire reported that when co-owners Ian Gill and Zoë Grams--founder of the literary marketing agency ZG Stories--discovered the vacant retail storefront on Granville Island last autumn, they "knew it was destined to become their bookstore."
"The idea came pretty fully formed," said Grams. "We recognize the incredible publishing and bookseller ecosystem that we have in Vancouver with amazing independent bookstores. But there's always room for more. For us, the idea of launching a literary-arts space, where we're amplifying storytelling and contributing to Vancouver's appreciation of literature and stories, was a really exciting one."
The business opened August 19 "as a traditional bookstore, offering gift packages, book-club subscriptions, and literary-inspired artwork by local artists. Once COVID-19 physical-distancing restrictions are lifted, the small, private second floor will eventually accommodate a writer's studio loft for a residency program," Q&Q wrote.
Grams said the shop will prioritize works by indie presses and international fiction, adding that the intent of the business's creative side is to "support the storytellers and to support the writers, poets, or artists who are contributing to our literary community.... We've designed the space so that it can be fairly versatile: bookstore by day, events space by night. That sense of energy and welcoming people in is definitely a big part of what we're going to do."
Gill, who has written several books about B.C.'s Haida Gwaii region, said several partnerships are in the works with West Coast Indigenous communities looking to improve literacy in their communities.