Introducing the New Art Foundation of Vancouver: Empowering Creatives and Advancing Art Innovation

The New Art Foundation of Vancouver (NAFVan) is a non-profit organization committed to advancing art innovation and empowering creatives from all backgrounds. Founded in 2022 by a passionate team of experts and academics from Greater Vancouver, NAFVan recognized Vancouver's potential as a hub for art innovation and sought to provide resources for creative individuals to foster multidisciplinary collaboration.

NAFVan believes that art should be inclusive and accessible to everyone. Our organization hosts a wide range of events and projects to engage and inspire the local and global community. We offer art education programs and outreach initiatives, as well as community engagement events like art exhibitions and shows. Our upcoming multi-sensory exhibit for visually impaired individuals will feature interactive elements like touchable 3D printed art and sensory boards, and is an example of NAFVan's innovative and inclusive approach to art programs. By including these tactile features as well as audio and braille descriptions we are creating a multi-sensory experience that encourages the use of new technologies in the creative process and creates something unique and innovative.

NAFVan strives to create exciting opportunities like this that encourage collaboration between disciplines, empower creatives and promote diversity and inclusion in the art community.

Three Pillars

The organization is built on three fundamental pillars: Artist Empowerment, Public Events, and Research & Projects. NAFVan supports emerging artists and creatives by providing them with resources such as workshops, mentorships, and access to equipment and studio spaces that help them develop their skills and advance their careers. The organization also hosts immersive events that generate interest in the community and the "new art" paradigm. These events include exhibitions, art fairs, panel discussions, and workshops that bring together artists, industry professionals, and the public. Finally, NAFVan collaborates with researchers, academics, and industry professionals to drive innovation in art and design.

Our Impact

Despite being a young organization, we have already made a positive impact on the artistic community in Vancouver by supporting creatives. Our mission has received testimonials from artists, volunteers, and patrons who have shared their experiences with us.

NAFVan's Young Talent Exhibition in 2022 featured the works of emerging artists and provided free masterclasses from established artists. Masterclass topics included concept design, color theory, digital illustration, 3D modeling, and printing, with guest lecturers such as Sean McMurchy, Hugo Hernandez, and Lily Bai.

We also hosted our first Artists' Social Circle event attended by 30+ local artists, in November 2022 as part of our Artist Professional Development program. The event provided an opportunity for artists to connect, network, and have a free photo taken of their artwork and receive a professional headshot.

Our first Charity Gala with Vancouver Chamber Music Society was held in February 2023 and featured a multidisciplinary collaboration between art and music. The Chamber Music Society played world-class classical music, creating a fantastic atmosphere for guests to appreciate the artwork. In total, the event raised $25,913 in auction sales supporting diverse, local artists, with $5,075 of these proceeds donated to charity. The remaining sum went to support participating artists, a core mission of NAFVan. The New Art Foundation of Vancouver is proud to have had such a successful first charity art gala event and looks forward to continuing to promote and support the arts in Vancouver.

Stay in the loop

NAFVan's impact extends beyond the Vancouver artistic community, as the organization has received messages from people around the world who have been inspired by its mission and initiatives. NAFVan is passionate about making a positive impact on the Lower Mainland and global artistic community, and it will continue to support creatives in their artistic pursuits. If you're interested in art, events, and culture in Vancouver, NAFVan encourages you to get involved. Follow the organization on social media to stay up-to-date on our latest events and projects, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Together, we can continue to empower creatives and advance art innovation in Vancouver and beyond.