The YVR Art Foundation was founded in 1993 by the Vancouver Airport Authority to foster the development of BC First Nations art and artists. The First Nations of British Columbia have intricate artistic traditions that have been part of their fabric of life for millennia. In the last sixty years, dozens of outstanding artists have kept that tradition not only alive, but thriving and developing. Today, BC First Nations artists such as Bill Reid, Beau Dick, Susan Point, James Hart, Joe David, Dempsey Bob, and Robert Davidson are among BC's most accomplished artists.
The YVRAF is proud to work with the heirs of these rich traditions, to do its part in helping these traditions flourish and to contribute to the success of a new generation of BC First Nations artists.
To date, the principal initiative of the Foundation is providing scholarships and awards to young BC First Nations artists who wish to develop their artistic potential. The YVR Art Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships and awards to more than 40 artists working in woodcarving, weaving, jewelry design and printmaking. For more information on scholarships and awards click here.
The YVRAF Scholarship and Awards have enabled young artists to study in such places as the Kitanmax School of Northwest Coast Art in Hazelton, the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, the University of BC, Simon Fraser University, and Emily Carr University of Art & Design. In addition, scholarship and award recipients have worked with artist mentors such as Dempsey Bob, Reg Davidson, James Hart and Christian White.
The YVR Art Foundation is funded through generous support from the Vancouver Airport Authority, individual and corporate donors, and corporate sponsors. To learn more about supporting the YVR Art Foundation click here.
To contact the Foundation, call 604-276-6261 or email us.