We’re excited to share some important updates with you about our programs at the YVR Art Foundation (YVRAF). After thoughtful consideration, our Programs Committee has approved several changes and recommendations aimed at making the application process smoother and clearer. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Clear Pathways Across Our Programs
YVRAF is now establishing a clear pathway across our programs, from the AAA (Aspiring Artist Awards) to Scholarships and the Bill McLennan Masterpiece Study Program (BMMSP). This will ensure that applicants can better navigate and understand the application process, making it easier for everyone to access the resources and support they need.
2. Clarification on Métis Applicants
At this time, YVRAF is unable to support Métis applicants. This information will be included in the General “How to Apply” FAQs on our website, so all potential applicants have clarity on this matter.
3. Community Reference Requirement for AAA & Scholarship Applicants
To maintain the strong community connections our programs support, both AAA and Scholarship applicants will still be required to provide a support letter from a community reference. This reference must be someone who can speak to the applicant’s connection to the community.
4. BMMSP Application Requirements
BMMSP applicants will continue to need to submit a detailed listing of belongings in the Museum collection they wish to study, along with an explanation of why they wish to study those specific items. Additionally, applicants must provide a confirmation letter from the Museum granting them access to the collection.
5. No Status Card Required
YVRAF will not ask for or require status cards from applicants to prove eligibility.
6. Expanded Eligibility for “Mid-Career” and “Emerging” Artists
The programs committee has expanded the eligibility for what constitutes a “Mid-Career” vs. “Emerging” Artist. It was previously defined by age alone. See the table below for the new definitions in each category:
| An Emerging Artist may be one or more of the following: | A Mid-Career Artist may be one or more of the following: |
| Is in the early stages of their career; in the first few (1–4) years of pursuing a career in their field | Is in the later stages of their careers; 5+ years of pursuing a career in their field |
| Has goal of becoming professional artist | Is a professional artist |
| Has not yet had a solo exhibit of their work | Has had a solo exhibit of their work |
| Is not yet recognized as established by their peers and community | Is recognized as established by their peers and community |
| Is typically between the ages of 17 – 29 | Is typically 30 years old or older |
7. New Submission Requirement for Portfolios:
YVRAF has been receiving a steadily increasing amount of applications the past few years. While this is a good sign that more people are engaging in our programs, we are now requiring applicants to submit their portfolios as a single PDF file.
- Applicants will be asked to use the PDF file format to submit application and portfolio pieces
- YVRAF will include in the requirements and application materials the contact information to request accessibility/tech support if PDF’s present a challenge (programs@yvraf.com)
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We hope these changes will help simplify your experience with YVRAF and provide better clarity about the application process. For full details on these updates and to access application forms, please visit the specific program pages.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@yvraf.com. We look forward to continuing to see BC and Yukon First Nations visual arts and culture thrive with the support of our programs.
