YVR is proud to connect people, communities and culture, donating more than $1 million annually to local organizations and charities. As part of the organization’s community investment program, YVR supports YVR Art Foundation, an aboriginal youth scholarship and mentorship program for emerging talent. YVR Art Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the development and advancement of B.C. and Yukon Indigenous visual artists. Since 2005, over 100 scholarships, grants and awards totaling more than $400,000 have been awarded to B.C. and Yukon Indigenous artists.
For Haida artist Shoshannah Greene, travelling from her home in Haida Gwaii to visit the Indigenous collections at Chicago’s Field Museum was exciting and inspirational. Shoshannah received a 2017 Masterpiece Study Program grant from YVR Art Foundation, which offers travel to one of seven participating museums to research local collections of Indigenous art and artifacts. The visit inspired Greene to paint three new pieces. And she has plans for at least three more.
The Masterpiece Study Program is one of YVR Art Foundation’s four main programs. They are awarded through a formal application and selection process to B.C. and Yukon Indigenous artists or small groups of artists. The next submission deadline is September 28, 2018. For more information and to learn more about the other available programs, go to yvraf.com.
To experience Shoshannah’s journey to Chicago and learn more about the Masterpiece Study Program, check out the full video below.