Flagship event raises funds to support youth arts programming in Metro Vancouver

Vancouver, B.C. / August 12, 2019 — Artistic endeavors are made possible with Arts Umbrella, Canada’s leading non-profit organization for youth arts education. This October, Arts Umbrella is inviting the public to wine, dine and dance all night long at the 37th annual Splash Art Auction and Gala. The flagship event has raised more than $6.5 million in net proceeds to date, providing young people across Metro Vancouver with more equitable access to Arts Umbrella programs and workshops – through bursaries, scholarships, and donor-funded programming.

Hosted on Saturday, October 26 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Splash 2019 will feature over 100 one-of-a-kind art works by renowned creatives including Edward Burtynsky, Dana Claxton, Douglas Coupland, Andrew Dadson, Henri Dauman, Christos Dikeakos, Jeff Wall, Stephen Waddell, and Elizabeth Zvonar. The evening will be emceed by CBC News personalities Gloria Macarenko and Fred Lee, and co-chaired by avid arts supporters Christie Garofalo and Bruce Munro Wright.

More than 600 business and community leaders, patrons, collectors, and enthusiasts are anticipated to attend. Delightful entertainment planned for this year’s gala include live performances by the Arts Umbrella Dance Company

and Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Troupe, as well as an exclusive showing of a student-created media arts piece. After the lively auction, guests will dance the night away at an after party featuring the musical stylings of the celebrated DJ Chloe.

Launched in 1979 by five parents who believed the arts can powerfully shape young lives, Arts Umbrella has evolved into Canada’s leading non-profit organization for youth-focused arts education. Splash is the organization’s flagship fundraising event, anchored by a dazzling live and silent auction, where guests can browse and buy a curated selection of artwork while mingling with fellow art-lovers. Last year’s event raised more than $560,000 in net proceeds, funds that directly support bursaries and scholarships.

“Excitement is running high here at Arts Umbrella with the upcoming return of Splash. We have a truly memorable evening planned,” says Paul Larocque, President & CEO of Arts Umbrella. “This year’s event takes places at a particularly momentous time for Arts Umbrella. As we enter our 40th year of programming, we are preparing to move into our new Granville Island building in 2020. Events like Splash, and the people who support it, are critical to our ability to serve our community through arts education. Thank you.”

Arts Umbrella reaches more than 24,000 children and youth every year, with 80% of families accessing programming at little to no cost. The organization is dedicated to ensuring all young people benefit from equitable access to the arts, regardless of socio-economic circumstances.

To purchase tickets and find out more information about Splash 2019, please visit artsumbrella.com/events/splash.

  • Early bird tickets: $350 (available until August 15)
  • Gala tickets: $400
  • Luminary tickets: $750*
  • Inspiration tables: $4,000 per table** (limited available)

*Luminary tickets support the Arts Umbrella Bursary Fund and include special registration, name recognition in print at the event, reserved seating, special cashier checkout, and a tax receipt issued for a significant portion of the ticket price.

**Inspiration tables seat four guests in a prime viewing area to enjoy the evening program and live auction. Inclusive of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and table service; expedited registration and end of evening check out. Optional table signage with company logo or family name. Company or family name will also be included in the evening program. Eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
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About Arts Umbrella
Art can change the lives of children in incredible ways, which is why Arts Umbrella helps young artists cultivate creativity and grow self-confidence through dance, theatre, and art & design. For 40 years, the not-for-profit has opened the doors for young people ages 2-22 to find and explore their artistic voices. artsumbrella.com

About Arts Umbrella’s New Building: The New Limitless
In 2020, Arts Umbrella will open the doors to its new 50,000 net-square-foot home in the iconic South Building of the former Emily Carr University of Art + Design on Granville Island. The facility more than doubles the organization’s square footage, significantly increasing its capacity to serve young people throughout Metro Vancouver and across the province. The move and renovation is made possible through funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Province of BC, and the City of Vancouver. Additionally, a number of lead donors have generously contributed to ensure Arts Umbrella can expand its mission to be Canada’s leader in arts education for young people. A public campaign to raise the remaining funds towards the $27-million goal is now underway. To learn more about the building and how it will impact the community, visit thenewlimitless.com .

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Media Contacts:
Gemma Bishop
Avenue PR
T: 604.375.6953
E: Gemma@avenuepr.ca
W: Avenuepr.ca

Lena Chen
Avenue PR
T: 778.369.4988
E: Lena@avenuepr.ca
W: Avenuepr.ca