YVR Art Foundation

Almost everyone who visits Vancouver for the first time comments on the beautiful artwork in our airport. The setting of YVR has always been picturesque, but in 1993 the Vancouver Airport Authority decided to make the inside of this travel hub as attractive as its exterior and surroundings. It was during this year that the Vancouver Airport Authority established the YVR Art Foundation, which is a separate entity dedicated to fostering the development of BC First Nations art and artists. The YVRAF supports the design, purchase, and commissioning of artworks to celebrate BC’s cultural heritage and sense of place, many of which are integrated into the airport’s architecture. This is a unique approach to running and decorating an international airport, and there are very few airports in the world that have made such a commitment to the cultures within which they are situated.

Lyle Wilson's (Haisla) YVR Installation

In 2004, the Foundation created an Art Scholarship & Awards Program in collaboration with corporate donors to provide scholarships to BC First Nations youth who wish to develop their artistic potential. Since 2004, the Foundation has awarded approximately $200,000 to over 40 young artists. In 2014, the Foundation also started to offer Mid-Career Artist Scholarships. 

Applications for the YVRAF scholarships are usually due every January and information about the application process can be found here: http://www.yvraf.com/programs