ABBOTSFORD, BC – The Reach Gallery Museum’s dynamic Emerge program recently received another significant financial boost to support the development of the cultural community in Abbotsford.
Some of the funds have already gone to good use through an initiative called CITI/SEEN which brings emerging artists together with a mentor to develop a public mural. The first such mural was launched in historic downtown Abbotsford recently. During the $10,000 cheque presentation, Jessica Wright, RBC Royal Bank Branch Manager at Clearbrook noted, “Helping our communities prosper is a key value for RBC and one that I am very proud of. Working with The Reach to invest in and support local artists—
especially those at the earliest stages of their careers—is an important partnership for us. Seeing the work that The Reach has done to create and sustain a thriving art scene throughout Abbotsford is very exciting.”
On receiving the Emerge funding support, Laura Schneider, Executive Director at The Reach responded, “We’re enormously proud of this new public art initiative and are deeply grateful to RBC for their generous support of our creative community. With their backing, the Emerge program has grown significantly and we’re now able to provide aspiring artists with even more opportunities to share their talent, a gift that ultimately enriches our entire community.”
The Emerge program acts as an incubator for creative talent in the Fraser Valley by supporting the development of artists and arts professionals between the ages of 18-35. Participants in the program have access to mentored, portfolio-building opportunities as they transition toward more established careers in the arts. Over the past four years, the Emerge program has developed 17 exhibitions, mentored 9 aspiring curators, and presented the work of 31 emerging artists from around the Fraser
Valley. Crucial support from the RBC Emerging Artists Project ensures the program’s growth and sustainability.
If you want to show your support for this important program, mark your calendars for November 21, 2019 when The Reach will host an innovative Art Party to raise funds for Emerge. Visit thereach.ca/emerge or call 604-864-8087.
Image: Grant cheque presentation featuring (l-r): Jessica Wright, RBC; mural
artists Rio Zapata, Madeleine Hildebrandt, Alayna Tam, Josh Koole, Tara-Lynn Kozma-Perrin, and Laura Schneider, Executive Director, The Reach. Photo by Malcolm McEwan.