Art Exchange
About the Program
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 program.
Program dates: October 2026 – June 2027.
Offered in collaboration with the Vancouver Art Gallery, Art Exchange gives students behind-the-scenes access to the gallery, workshops, and tours of exhibitions, where they have the opportunity to speak with and learn from exhibiting artists and gallery professionals. Back at the Arts Umbrella studios, they respond to their gallery experience through mentored and self-directed projects. During the program, they will have the chance to curate, install, and critique their work in the Cassils | Henriquez Exhibition Gallery at Arts Umbrella.
We encourage applications from youth that identify as members of underrepresented groups.
The program is offered as a full scholarship thanks to Terrence and Lisa Turner & Elmar and Christine Klukas.
In partnership with Vancouver Art Gallery.
How to Apply
To apply for Art Exchange, you will need to submit a portfolio and a letter of intent.
Portfolio
Your portfolio should include the following:
- Images of your work (maximum 10)
- 5 to 7 images of completed work
- 3 to 5 images of sketchbook explorations that demonstrate study and experimentation
- Images should be less than 1 MB each in JPG format only
- An image list. For each image, include:
- Title
- Date
- Medium used for each work
Title the images in the order you would like us to view them. Example:
- 01.Emily Carr_Big Raven.jpg,
- 02.Emily Carr_Above the Gravel Pit.jpg
If there are barriers to submitting a digital portfolio, please contact us to make other arrangements.
Letter of intent
In 500 to 1000 words (about 1 page), please share:
- Why you are interested in this program
- What you will contribute
- How you will benefit from the experience
- A brief statement about the work in your portfolio
- A description of your art practice – i.e., primary medium, themes, references, and inspirations, etc.
Applications due by Tuesday, September 29 at 8AM. For details about the program, contact Arts Umbrella Admissions at [email protected].