Hourglass is an event series where community members discuss death & dying over books, games, art, and/or crafts. By cultivating more spaces where discussing death is not taboo, we hope to help normalize conversations about the topic throughout the region.

Some topics & activities that we've explored so far include:

Memento Mori, Poetry & Prose, Eulogies, Cycles of Life & Death, Irish Funeral Traditions, Tarot Symbolism, and more

A group of people gathered at a table colouring and playing Death Conversation Game. An Hourglass sits in the center of the table.

Anyone is welcome to host or co-host a gathering, whether that be a small, private event or a larger, public one. If you have a death-related area of focus, activity, or skill that you'd like to share or want help hosting an event, please let us know.

Unlike Death Cafes, sometimes these gatherings focus on particular topics, feature guest speakers, and encourage sharing resources. Hourglass is not explicitly a support group, but supportive materials are available, and tears are welcome alongside laughter.

Future gatherings can be found on the Death-Conscious Calendar, along with other events in the region. Anyone can submit an event to this calendar. We also maintain a list of online events & support groups here.

A table set for an Hourglass gathering with hourglasses, bells, and creative materials
Photo by Jessica Vallely

Thanks to the Fernwood Community & Arts Association and the City of Victoria, Hourglass events are now supported by a matching My Great Neighbourhood Grant!