The YVR Art Foundation Unveils 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The YVR Art Foundation has announced the 10 recipients of its 2026 Art Scholarship Awards, recognizing outstanding First Nation artists from across British Columbia and the Yukon. These annual scholarships champion artistic excellence while supporting the preservation and evolution of Indigenous cultural expression. 

Each recipient is awarded a $5,000 scholarship and a $2,500 bursary, empowering them to pursue mentorships, advanced training, and community-driven creative projects.

“On behalf of YVR Art Foundation, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the artists selected for the 2026 YVRAF Scholarships,” said Elisabeth Kyle, Executive Director of YVR Art Foundation.

“It is a privilege to support the growth of emerging and mid-career First Nation artists whose work carries forward cultural knowledge, strengthens community connections, and inspires future generations. Their creativity shows that First Nation cultures are alive and vibrant, enriching their communities and inviting the broader public to engage with the depth and beauty of these traditions.”

2026 YVR Art Foundation Emerging Artist Scholarship Recipients

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

2026 YVR Art Foundation Mid-Career Artist Scholarship Recipients

Taylor Baptiste, Osoyoos Indian Band, Syilx Okanagan Nation

Reggie-Anne Harrold, Fort Nelson First Nation

The scholarships are awarded in two categories: Emerging Artist Scholarships support artists at the beginning of their professional journey, helping them refine their practice through mentorships or formal education. Mid-Career Artist Scholarships empower more established artists to expand their work through specialized study, collaboration with master artists, or meaningful community initiatives.

Recipients were selected through a rigorous adjudication process led by a distinguished jury of Indigenous artists and curators.

“At YVR, we're proud to support the YVR Art Foundation and the incredible First Nation artists whose creativity helps shape a powerful sense of place for our airport and our community,” said Richard Beed, Vice President, People and Culture at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). “These scholarships invest in artists at different stages of their journey, honouring cultural knowledge, strengthening community connections, and ensuring Indigenous voices and stories continue to be shared with the millions of people who pass through YVR each year.”

Since its founding in 2005, the YVR Art Foundation has awarded more than 280 scholarships, grants, and awards, supporting artists from over 100 First Nation communities and distributing over $1 million in funding. 

More than 150 scholarship recipients have showcased their work at Vancouver International Airport, contributing to the airport's internationally recognized Sense of Place—bringing Indigenous art and culture to millions of travelers each year.

For more information about the YVR Art Foundation and its programs, please visit the official website: yvraf.com