33rd Annual Event Raises $300,000 for Arts Education
The city’s brightest art stars were shining during this past weekend’s SPLASH art auction. The annual event is the primary fundraiser for Arts Umbrella, Vancouver’s premier non-profit arts organization for youth. Held on Saturday, October 17, 2015, the glitzy event took place in the tents surrounding the Granville Island Performance Works and attendees raised a whopping $300,000 in net proceeds to provide accessible art education for young people all over Greater Vancouver.
“I’m thrilled Splash came back to Granville Island. It’s been our home since 1979 and is the arts and cultural hub of Metro Vancouver,” says Lucille Pacey, Arts Umbrella President & CEO. “Splash is the one event where people can invest in one-of-a-kind artwork while supporting an environment where children are free to be and create.”
The enthusiastic crowd of attendees included more than 500 businesses, community leaders, patrons, and art lovers. The glamorous gathering brought together aficionados and charity lovers to bid on almost 100 pieces created by prominent local and international artists, including a special commissioned sculpture from Haida artist Don Yeomans, one of Canada’s most established and respected Northwest Coast artists, in collaboration with the Douglas Reynolds Gallery and Epic Metalworks Inc.
While picking out their precious works of art, guests noshed on delectable dishes from celebrated chef John Bishop, owner of Bishop’s restaurant, in collaboration with Culinary Capers. CBC news personality Miyoung Lee also emceed the evening, and introduced spectacular performances by the Arts Umbrella Dance Company and the Musical Theatre Troupe.
Over the course of Splash’s 33 successful years, Arts Umbrella has raised more than $5 million in net proceeds that provide need-based bursaries for children to experience the delight and self-esteem boost from a high-quality arts education.
The evening was generously supported by presenting sponsor Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.
Birks was the showcase raffle sponsor, and additional sponsors included Macquarie Financial, Audi Canada, CBC and PwC.
About Arts Umbrella
Arts Umbrella is a not-for-profit arts organization where young artists cultivate creativity through performing, visual, and media arts. Since 1979, Arts Umbrella has opened the doors for all kids and teens ages 2 to 19 to learn, create, and achieve goals through the arts. Arts Umbrella students range from preschoolers to pre-professionals, taking part in 785 classes at four locations. Each year, more than 21,500 children experience the arts at Arts Umbrella – and more than 14,000 do so at little to no cost to their families.