General

How do I create a zipped file to upload and submit my files and images?

To create a compressed or “zipped” file follow these steps: For a PC, save all your files in one folder, right-click on the folder and select the zip integration link. This might be “Add to Zip file” “Add to Archive” or “send to Compressed folder”. Your compressed file will be saved in the folder you select. On a Mac computer, select the folder, right-click, and select “Compress”. The compressed file will be saved in the same folder.

How should I fill out the portfolio description?

The most important part of your portfolio description is that the year, number, and title of each image included in the portfolio description should match the number and title you have saved your image under in the .zip file.

How should I name the image files in my portfolio?

You should name your files with a 2-digit number, reflecting its corresponding number in your portfolio description (01-10), your last name and the title of the artwork. For example, use the following format: 01_LastName_TitleOfArtwork.jpg or 10_LastNameTitleOfArtwork.tif

Am I required to have First Nations status?

Applicants must have BC or Yukon First Nations ancestry and self-identify as a BC or Yukon First Nation to apply for the YVR Art Foundation scholarships, grants and awards. Status is not required.

I am Metis. Am I eligible?

Metis applicants must hold BC Metis citizenship.

What are the eligibility criteria for the YVR Art Foundation scholarships, grants and awards?

Applicants must be of BC or Yukon First Nations ancestry and live in BC or the Yukon.

If applicants are applying for financial support to assist in their attendance in a post-secondary art program or an art training program in a location other than BC or the Yukon, the applicant must maintain a permanent address in either BC or the Yukon.

Do you have any advice on how to put together a portfolio or document my work?

Coming soon.

Emerging Artist Scholarships

What should I include in my portfolio?

It is important that your portfolio show your best work, but if possible we encourage you to include images that are relevant to the project you are proposing (e.g. if your proposed project is a button blanket, include images that showcase your design and sewing skills).

Should I include images of my mentor’s work with my application?

Although it is not required for your application, if you wish to, you may include images of your mentor’s work along with his/her CV. Including images of your mentor’s work may enhance the strength of your application. Do not include their artwork in your own portfolio.

What do the display cases at YVR look like for the artwork that would be shown at YVR? How big are they?

The display cases measure: 43″ wide x 29″ deep x 66″ high, and the artwork you propose to exhibit at YVR must fit within the case. As interior wall sizes can vary, you are encouraged to contact the program coordinator to confirm your proposed artwork will fit within with display cases.

How specific should my budget be in my application?

You should be as specific as possible. Potential categories in your budget may be but are not limited to: travel expenses, mentor honorarium, materials and supplies, living expenses etc. A budget template is included in each application form.

How specific should the description of my Proposed Use of Scholarship Award be in my application?

The description of your Program of Study should be as specific as possible. You should include, for example, how many days/hours a week you will be spending with your mentor, as well as details about the artwork you would create for the scholarship. You should also discuss how your artwork relates to the skills you already have and the skills you would hope to gain if you received the scholarship. If possible, when describing the artwork you would create for your scholarship, be as specific as possible (ie. type of art, size, materials etc.)

Should I include my own resume or CV?

Yes, you may include your own resume or CV. It would enhance the work/volunteer section of the application if you included a resume or CV.

As of 2022, this is no longer an application requirement for the Emerging Artist Scholarship award.

When can I apply for this scholarship?

All scholarship applications will open in November, with a deadline in late January or early February (date to be announced). Watch this site for the announcement that applications are being accepted or sign up for the YVRAF newsletter to be notified when our call for applications goes live.

Applications submitted at any other time will not be considered.

How many times can I receive an Emerging Artist Scholarship?

Artists are eligible to receive a maximum of two Emerging Artist Scholarships.

Can I apply for a Emerging Artist Scholarship if I have received an Aspiring Artist Award?

Yes!

What ages are eligible to apply for the Emerging Artist Scholarships?

Applicants for the YVR Art Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarships must be between the ages of 17 and 29.

Mid-Career Artist Scholarships

What should I include in my portfolio?

It is important that your portfolio show your best work, but if possible we encourage you to include images that are relevant to the project you are proposing (e.g. if your proposed project is a button blanket, include images that showcase your design and sewing skills).

Should I include images of my master artist’s work with my application?

Although it is not required for your application, if you wish to, you may include images of your master artist’s work along with their CV. Including images of your master artist’s work may enhance the strength of your application.

How specific should my Budget be in my application?

You should be as specific as possible. Potential categories in your budget may be but are not limited to: travel expenses, master artist honorarium, materials and supplies, living expenses etc.

How specific should the description of my Proposed Use of Scholarship Award be in my application?

The description of your Proposed Use of Scholarship Award should be as specific as possible.

Clearly state whether you plan to: work with a master artist, attend a recognized school of art OR to work on a special art project of cultural significance to your community. Include details such as, how many days/hours a week you would spend with your master artist (if applicable).

Give as much detail as possible about how receiving this scholarship will impact you and your art career and be clear about whether you plan to submit artwork for your Scholarship award, or if you will be submitting a Report. If you are submitting artwork, give as much detail as possible (ie. type of object, size and materials etc.).

Should I include my own resume or CV?

Yes, you may include your own resume or CV. It would enhance the work/volunteer section of the application if you included a resume or CV.

When can I apply for this scholarship?

All scholarship applications will open in November, with a deadline in late January (date to be announced). Watch this site for the announcement that applications are being accepted. Applications submitted at any other time will not be considered.

How many times can I receive a Mid-Career Artist Scholarship?

Artists are eligible to receive a Mid-Career Artist Scholarship only once.

Can I apply for a Mid-Career Artist Scholarship if I have received a Youth Art Scholarship?

Yes. Artists are eligible to receive a maximum of two Youth Art Scholarships and one Mid-Career Artist Scholarship.

What ages are eligible to apply for the Mid-Career Artist Scholarships?

Applicants for the Mid-Career Artist Scholarships must be 30 years of age or older.

Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grants

When will the Travel Grant Program launch again?

Due to Covid-19, the Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program travel grant was put on hold temporarily.

YVRAF intends to relaunch this program in line with Covid-19 guidelines and when travel restrictions are lifted.

When will my trip take place?

The grants are awarded in November and your trip must take place between January and June following the award date.

Can I submit a joint application with a group of artists?

Yes, you may submit an application jointly with other artists or with a collaborator, such as a curator. In your application clearly state why this collaboration is important to your research. If you submit an application including more than one person, your budget for the entire group must still be under the maximum allowable amount for one application.

What type of artistic disciplines are eligible?

Artists working in the visual arts are eligible to apply for the Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grant. Visual art can include (but is not limited to) drawing, painting, illustration, carving, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, animation, photography, video and film. If you have any questions about the medium you are working in, please contact us.

In addition, one grant per year will be awarded to a researcher (visual artist, community member or cultural practitioner) who is doing research, archival and/or other work to assemble community archives, and whose research would be enhanced/informed by visiting a specific museum to study their collection.

Can I apply to travel to one of the international partner museums if I don’t have a valid Canadian passport?

All international Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grant recipients must have a valid Canadian passport at the time of travel. If your passport application is already in process, please indicate this in your application.

Please Note: your Canadian passport must be no less than six months from expiring at the time of travel. Passports less than six months from expiring are not considered eligible for travel outside of Canada.

When can I apply for this grant?

All Travel Grant applications will open in August, with a deadline in late September (date to be announced). Watch this site for the announcement that applications are being accepted. Applications submitted at any other time will not be considered.

YVR Art Foundation is not currently accepting applications for Travel Grants.

How many times can I receive a Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grant?

Artists are eligible to receive a maximum of two Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grants.

Can I apply for a Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grant if I have received other scholarships and awards from the YVR Art Foundation?

Yes.

What ages are eligible to apply for the Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grants?

There is no age restriction for the Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Program Travel Grants, however, the grant is primarily awarded to experienced artists who would like to expand their knowledge and skills by researching cultural artifacts at our partner museums.

Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program Microgrants

What do the microgrants support and how much are they for?

Microgrants support virtual research visits or in-person research visits (one-day) at a YVRAF museum partner where travel is not required or is limited.

Microgrants are for $500 and are meant cover costs such as time, meals, transit, photocopying and other minor expenses.

What type of artistic disciplines are eligible?

Artists working in the visual arts are eligible to apply for the Masterpiece Study Program Travel Grant. This includes artists working in mediums such as painting, carving, film and textiles. Dance and performance art are not currently eligible.

 

When can I apply for a microgrant?

Microgrants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year with no set deadline. Up to ten Microgrants will be awarded each year.

How many times can I receive a Microgrant??

Artists are eligible to receive a maximum of one Microgrant.

Can I apply for a Microgrant if I have received other scholarships and awards from YVR Art Foundation?

Yes.

Will receiving a microgrant impact my eligibilty for other YVRAF scholarships and awards?

No.

What ages are eligible to apply for the Microgrants??

There is no age restriction for Microgrants.

Aspiring Artist Awards

When can I apply for an Aspiring Artist Award?

Aspiring Artist Awards applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and up to ten awards will be distributed annually.

How many times can I receive the Aspiring Artist Award?

Aspiring artists are eligible to receive an Aspiring Artist Award only once.

Can I apply for an Aspiring Artist Award if I have received an Emerging Artist Scholarship (previously called Youth Art Scholarship)?

No. You can only be awarded an Aspiring Artist Award if this is the first grant, scholarship or award you would receive from the YVR Art Foundation.

What ages are eligible to apply for the Aspiring Artist Award?

Applicants for the Aspiring Artist Awards must be between the ages of 15 and 20.

What should I include in my portfolio?

It is important that your portfolio shows your best work and that it reflects BC or Yukon First Nations culture. The work in your portfolio can be self-initiated or done in an art class.