The YVR Art Foundation (YVRAF) was founded in 1993 by the Vancouver Airport Authority to foster the development of BC First Nations art and artists. The Foundation provides scholarships and awards to BC First Nations artists who wish to develop their artistic potential.

The Foundation’s programming addresses a need expressed by the late Bill Reid, acclaimed Haida master, one of Canada’s greatest artists, and a founding patron of the YVRAF, who said that “artists need to learn the basic knowledge and skills of northwest coast art if quality is to be maintained and evolution of the art is to flourish”.

To date the YVR Art Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships and awards to more than 40 young BC First Nations artists working in woodcarving, weaving, jewelry design and printmaking. The Foundation’s programming provides not only opportunities for fundamental training for young artists, but also hope and encouragement to talented youth. It can make the difference in turning artistic potential into a promising career.

The success of the Foundation and its programs is evidenced by the quality of the artwork created and the recognition these young artists have achieved over the years in their communities and within the broader art world. Read more about the Foundation

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) offers a spectacular visual showcase of BC First Nations art. See the Vancouver Airport Authority’s website for information about this unique representation of our province’s cultural heritage.