Vancouver, BC (June 3, 2024): The BC Achievement Foundation has launched its 2024 Call for Nominations for the Polygon Award in First Nations Art.
The 18th annual Polygon Award in First Nations Art (FNA) program recognizes BC First Nations artists for excellence in traditional, contemporary or media art. The Award is designed for artists from BC First Nations who have demonstrated a commitment to their art practice; have accumulated a body of work; and who are recognized in their communities as artists.
“The Polygon Award in First Nations Art recognizes the incredible talent within our First Nations communities and honours artistry and culture. Celebrating the achievements of First Nations artists inspires future generations and enriches our collective cultural landscape,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, “I encourage everyone to nominate outstanding artists, ensuring that their work can be acknowledged and celebrated widely.”
Nominations are invited from throughout the province from BC First Nations artists who practice traditional or contemporary visual art in fields such as, but not limited to, carving, photography, beading, weaving, jewellery, painting, masks, sculpture, stonework, printmaking, basketry, textiles, and media art.
“Receiving the Polygon Award in First Nations Art is important to me because it has allowed me to pause and look back at all the things I have created in my career as an artist; how much I have grown since the beginning. As an artist, you never really take the time to reflect, because you are always on the next project. It has been such an honour to receive the award and I am grateful for this opportunity,”
said Shawna Kiesman, 2023 FNA Award recipient.
The 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art marks the 18th year of the program, which stands on the excellence of 99 recipients and the philanthropic community that supports BCAF’s programming. The foundation is grateful to Polygon Homes Ltd. for its ongoing commitment and partnership to uplift and celebrate excellence in First Nations Art in the province.
The FNA program is presented by BC Achievement and its sponsors and partners: Supporting Sponsors –TELUS, TD; Community Partners – BC Ferries, Denbigh, The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre; and Media Sponsors – CFNR, Frog Radio, Global BC, Miss 604, and Stir Magazine are all gratefully acknowledged.
Nominations for this year’s award will be accepted through BC Achievement’s website until June 30. Recipients will be announced in October, with an exhibit of their selected works taking place November 18-24 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Vancouver.
For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation or the First Nations Art Award program, visit www.bcachievement.com.
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About BC Achievement
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow. www.bcachievement.com
Media Contacts
Gemma Bishop
Gather Public Relations
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com
Rup Grewal, Communications Director
BC Achievement Foundation
T: 604-261-9777 (Ext 102)
E: rup@bcachievement.com