YVR Art Foundation announces 2026 recipients of scholarships for emerging and mid-career artists
Press Release
May 21, 2026
“At the YVR Art Foundation, our mission is simple, but powerful: we fund, promote, and support First Nation artists across B.C. and the Yukon,” says Alana Lawrence, president of YVRAF’s board of directors.
Founded by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in 1993, YVR Art Foundation (YVRAF) is an independent, not-for-profit, charitable organization that supports the work of B.C. and Yukon First Nation artists through scholarship, grant and award programs, and exhibition and research opportunities. To date, YVRAF has disbursed more than 280 awards, representing over $1 million in scholarships, grants, and research opportunities for B.C. and Yukon First Nation artists.
On May 21, 2026, YVRAF announced the recipients of their 2026 scholarships, comprising eight emerging artists and two mid-career artists. Artists apply with a specific project in mind, then craft that work over the course of the coming year with the financial support, mentorship, and programs of study offered as part of the scholarship package. Finished works are displayed at YVR for a period of one year before being transferred to a partner gallery.
The recipients of the 2026 YVR Art Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarships are:
- Kashka Clellamin, Nuxalk
- Wenda Day, Tahltan
- Elise Helin, Ts’msyen
- Presley Kallio, Haida
- Zoe Kompst, Musqueam
- Ryza Marston, Stz’uminus
- Kimberly Ronning, Tk’emlups te Secwepemc
- Stone Sam, Squamish and Kwakwaka’wakw
The recipients of the 2026 YVR Art Foundation Mid-Career Artist Scholarships are:
- Taylor Baptiste, Osoyoos Indian Band – Syilx Okanagan Nation
- Reggie-Anne Harrold, Fort Nelson First Nation
Work from 2025 scholarship recipients on display
The finished works created by 2025 scholarship recipients will be displayed at YVR starting in the summer of 2026, and can be found after security in the Domestic Terminal.
“[These works reflect] the strength and continuity of [First Nation] cultures and communities,” says Lawrence. “Each of these is the result of deep dedication, learning, and creativity.”
YVR is proud to support YVRAF in their mission of fostering the development and advancement of First Nation artists from the lands now known as British Columbia and Yukon, and honoured to display works created by their scholarship recipients.
Original works by Indigenous artists are on display throughout YVR, inspiring and educating the travelling public and Sea Island community and contributing to YVR’s award-winning Sense of Place. Learn more about the collection at yvr.ca/art.
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