Scholarship aims to preserve art of the Northwest Coast

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A new scholarship will help ground young Aboriginal artists in the fundamental skills of Northwest Coast art while exposing their work to millions of people.

The YVR Art Foundation, known for outfitting Vancouver International Airport with the work of prominent Canadian artist Bill Reid, is offering an annual scholarship of up to $5,000 to help young Aboriginal artists develop their skills in traditional or contemporary Northwest Coast art.

The idea for the scholarship came from concerns expressed by the now late Bill Reid, who felt that young artists weren't getting enough training in Northwest Coast art, said the foundation's chair Frank O'Neill.

"The YVR Art Scholarship program will provide talented Aboriginal artists with the opportunity for training and mentorship at an early stage of their artistic formation, which could make a tremendous impact on their career," he said.

British Columbia's Aboriginal artists from age 21 or younger who work in any visual art forms suitable for public display-painting, sculpting, basket-weaving and jewelry-making-are eligible to apply. The winners of the scholarship will be selected by a jury of established Northwest Coast artists, and the funds received can be used to further the applicant's education through workshops or apprenticeships.

The successful applicants will also have an opportunity to display their work at Vancouver International Airport, which welcomes more than 15 million passengers a year.

Established in 1994, the art foundation has been in charge of maintenance and conservation of the Vancouver International Airport Authority's art collection. The foundation also commissions work.

"The display of Northwest Coast art at the airport has been tremendous, not only for promoting artists from the region, but creating awareness and appreciation well beyond," said O'Neill.

Pictures of Reid's work on display at the airport can now be found on the $20 bill, and the collection has been included in Simon Fraser University's syllabus on public art.

O'Neill said the success of the foundation's art program at the airport is a perfect testament to the quality and uniqueness of Northwest Coast art.

"Very few airports around the world have been able to create a real sense of place through celebrating the arts of the region," he added.

"Anybody who walks through the airport can experience first-hand the art works' classical and authentic style that is immediately identifiable with this part of the world." For more information and to submit your application, contact the YVR Art Foundation at (604) 276-7721 or e-mail bronwyns@telus.net.