The Vancouver Institute was established in 1916 to serve as a liaison between 'town and gown' to provide general public interest lectures. As the first constitution states, "The objects of the Institute shall be the study and cultivation of the Arts, Sciences, Literature, Music and kindred subjects employing lectures, exhibitions, publications and other means as may from time to time be deemed advisable." Organizations of a similar nature, such as the Women's University Club, the Art, Historical and Scientific Society, and the Archaeological Institute, were affiliated with the Institute. Each affiliated society was required to elect two representatives to sit on its Council. These societies initially provided various speakers. All lectures were accessible to the public and were initially presented at the Assembly Hall at the old Fairview campus of British Columbia. In 1925 the University was moved from Fairview to the new Point Grey site. The Institute organizers attempted to find quarters to remain close to the downtown audiences. However, they were eventually forced to follow the University to Point Grey in 1929. Free meetings, free discussions after lectures, financial support of the devoted few, and university affiliation and accommodation have been and remain characteristics of the Saturday night Vancouver Institute lectures.