The BC Achievement Foundation launched its 2023 Call for Nominations for the 17th annual Polygon Award in First Nations Art, which will be open until June 30, 2023.
Polygon Award in First Nations Art Nominations 2023
The Polygon Award in First Nations Art (FNA) program recognizes BC First Nations artists for excellence in traditional, contemporary or media art. The Award is designed for artists from BC First Nations who have demonstrated a commitment to their art practice; have accumulated a body of work; and who are recognized in their communities as artists.
“First Nations art in BC holds immense cultural significance, representing traditions and histories that connect the people to this land. The Polygon First Nations Art Award is one of the earliest provincial programs to recognize the contributions of these artists through an achievement-focused lens,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation.
Nominations are invited from throughout the province from BC First Nations artists who practice traditional or contemporary visual art in fields such as, but not limited to, carving, photography, beading, weaving, jewellery, painting, masks, sculpture, stonework, printmaking, basketry, textiles, and media art.
“Anytime you can do artwork and put it out there and make the Indigenous presence in these areas known, that could inspire a young Indigenous person to pursue their traditional art and culture,” said Qwul’thilum Dylan Thomas, 2022 FNA Award recipient.
The 2023 Polygon Award in First Nations Art marks the 17th year of the program, which stands on the excellence of 95 recipients and the philanthropic community that supports BC Achievement’s programming.
Recipients will be announced in October, with an exhibit of their selected works taking place November 15-22 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in downtown Vancouver.
About BC Achievement
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.
The BC Achievement Foundation launched its 2023 Call for Nominations for the 19th annual Applied Art + Design Award, which will be open until June 30, 2023.
Applied Art + Design Award Nominations 2023
Presented since 2004, the Applied Art + Design (AAD) Award program celebrates British Columbians who excel in creating functional art. The program recognizes artists who work in mediums such as furniture, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, weaving, glass, fashion, to industrial design.
“The Applied Art + Design Award program honours creators and makers – those whose innovative work contributes directly to both the cultural and economic fabric of the province. Their artistic yet purposeful designs ensure that there is a sense of wonder and beauty to everyday items that are in every way extraordinary,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation.
Applying for an award serves as a platform to communicate an artist’s work, vision and creativity. The process invites an opportunity for critical artistic reflection and exposes artists and designers to a wider audience. The program welcomes submissions from those who produce work that has a practical or functional application.
Nominations and self-nominations are accepted from June 1-30, 2023.
“It is important to draw attention to the work of craftspeople in applied arts and design by honouring them with these kinds of awards for excellence in their field. It is a public endorsement and reminder of the value of handcrafting which celebrates individual achievement over mass manufacturing which dehumanizes it,” said Robert Anderson, 2022 Award of Distinction recipient.
Recipients will be announced in October, with an exhibit of their selected works taking place November 15-22 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in downtown Vancouver.
About BC Achievement
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.
Back for its 10th annual event, the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo brings vendors, artists, music, panels, tournaments, and more to New Westminster on June 24th.
Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $25 (+tax). Kids under 10 are free with adult ticket.
This year, the panels will feature “The Immortal” John Hancock, a long-time collector and YouTuber. Additionally, there will be Improv with The Fictionals, Interactive Trivia, Chiptune, Demoscene, and other informative, entertaining content for fans of all ages.
Throughout the day, musical guests will entertain with retro-gaming themed tunes. Performers include geeky ska-punk band The Wavebirds, rock bands The Koopa Troopas and Shane Steward, groovy folk group Balkan Bleeps, sci-fi synth artist 20SIX Hundred, and more.
There is plenty to see, including the largest dealer hall the event has ever had, a selection of free-play gaming, classic computers courtesy of The Chilliwack Retro-Computing Club. Additionally, mascot characters from Happyland Events, a costume contest, and many other exciting attractions.
A full event schedule and list of vendors is available on the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo website. For more information, follow their Twitter and Facebook.
Take an otherworldly journey of cosmic camp with the Queer Arts Festival 2023: Queers in Space (QAF) in Vancouver. Enjoy 11 days of multidisciplinary media arts, dance, burlesque, music, literary and drag events, centered around QAF’s signature curated visual art exhibition.
Queer Arts Festival 2023: Queers in Space
When: Select dates June 17 to 28, 2023
Where: Vancouver venues listed below
Admission: Limited quantity of festival passes are available now. Single day tickets are also available via each event’s link on the QAF site.
Futurism and Fantasy have always been pillars of the Queer experience – they’ve empowered, inspired, and provided sanctuary. QAF 2023’s visual art show, bumfuzzled monachopsis: innerspace out curated by Zandi Dandizette explores what happens when Queer and Trans artists come together to claim their Space, free to be their authentic selves.
From now until the festival opening ArtParty! on June 17, you can also enter the prize raffle by donating. Each $10 donation gets one entry into the prize draw. Prizes include festival passes, limited-edition commemorative festival prints, and more.
Event Line-Up
ArtParty! June 17, 7:00pm Gala Opening Reception | Roundhouse Exhibition Hall, 181 Roundhouse Mews QAF 2023 officially launches into orbit at the Roundhouse. Take in the incredible Visual Art Exhibition and enjoy delicious food and drink while gyrating to the spins of the incredible DJ Nea Stone Fox.
June is Indigenous History Month, and Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) is a time all to honour the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis). Seek firsthand experiences and education about living Indigenous cultures and realities, and be inspired to learn beyond the month of June. Here are some ways to connect and engage:
National Indigenous Peoples Day Burnaby will include a a free community celebration at Edmonds Park and Plaza (7433 Edmonds St) from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on June 21st.
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Bill Reid Gallery and enjoy free admission to the Gallery on Wednesday, June 21st. Commemorate this day by visiting the Gallery and learning about the stories of Bill Reid and the other featured contemporary artists in the current exhibitions. A hands-on activity will be available for visitors.
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is hosting an event from 10:00am to 3:00pm on June 21st at their Drop-In Centre at 302 Columbia with dancing, storytelling, and more.
Centering Indigenous Joy: A Celebration of Literature, Arts, and Creativity will take place June 17th at 312 Main Street. Doors will open at 5:30pm, with vendors’ tables, food, and drinks. This all-ages event will begin at 6:30pm, with Indigenous storytellers and artists performing until 9:00pm. This event is free, but donations to the Urban Native Youth Association are encouraged. Donations directly to UNYA online.
MONOVA (Museum of North Vancouver) has a full lineup of Indigenous History Month events including (but not limited to) Sharing Culture: Beading with Nicole Baker (June 17), A Celebration of Coast Salish Wool Weaving (June 22), and a Bannock Bake Off (June 24).
On Saturday, June 24th, the VSO Indigenous Council and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will host The Path Forward, a free community celebration at the Orpheum. Hosted by Geena Jackson, the audience will enjoy performances from the VSO with special guest artists including DJ O Show and Rhonda Head.
… more to come!
Bright Futures at Bill Reid Gallery. Yolonda Skelton Chilkat Dress and Eagle Train, 2022 Pleated Chiffon and Ponti Dress with Beaver fur trim. Ultrasuede Appliqued Cuffs and Removable Wool Suiting Appliqued Eagle Train Courtesy of the artist. Photo courtesy of the Bill Reid Gallery.
Ways to Honour Indigenous Cultures When Travelling This Summer
Add Indigenous tourism experiences in BC to your travel plans.Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find local tourism operators. Include Indigenous tourism in your travel plans.
Connection to Land, People and Culture. Commit to learning about the land where you live! Start with a tour with Talaysay Tours in Vancouver.
Support Indigenous digital economies. Resourceful entrepreneurs are now serving patrons through online orders, delivery service and virtual events. Shop online for Indigenous fashion, food, wine and art to show your support for Indigenous lands, cultures and businesses.
