The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford’s Emerge program recently received a financial boost to expand and diversify its young artists program.
A $7,500 cheque was presented from the RBC Foundation during the opening of The Reach’s spring exhibitions.
The Reach initiated a program called Emerge @The Reach in 2015. Emerge exists for artists and those interested in the arts, ages 18-35.
Its structure is a gallery within a gallery which offers regular exhibitions at The Reach, curating and publishing opportunities, hands-on professional development experiences, networking opportunities and a platform from which to impact the arts and culture sector in the Fraser Valley.
It provides Emerge members with mentorship and access to professional development initiatives, including skill-based workshops and one-on-one sessions with industry specialists.
Laura Schneider, executive director and curator at The Reach, thanked RBC for its donation.
“We are very fortunate here at The Reach to have the support from corporate funders and local businesses. It is the generosity of our private partners that allows us to achieve excellence as a not-for-profit organization,” she said.
The cheque was presented by Jeff Starchuk, manager of the Clearbrook RBC Royal Bank branch.
“Our support of the arts has been a long-standing priority as we recognize that the arts play an important role in helping communities prosper,” he said of RBC.
Since 2013, RBC Foundation has committed $6.7 million to arts and cultural organizations, supporting local, national and international initiatives.
