Category: Blog

What is applied art and design you ask?  

As the 2020 Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design opens nominations for the program, it’s an important question to ask.

Applied art and design is the intersection of design and function where the creation of beautiful pieces have practical applications. It’s seen in the svelte sofa of furniture designer Sholto Scruton, the soothing vessel shapes and finishes created by ceramicist Gordon Hutchens, the eco-friendly cork clothing of fashion designer Morgan Mallett and the transformative prosthetic leg covers of McCauley Wanner and Ryan Palibroda. These are just a few examples, all of whom also happen to be the awardees of last year’s Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design. 

Sam Carter, whose name is synonymous with the award program itself, talks about art, craft and design as trilogy that results in something beautiful. Sam is an advocate for applied art and design in Canada and has devoted his career to creating, teaching and promoting applied art and design. In Fall 2019, as a panelist for the Carter Wosk exhibition, Sam spoke of one of his earlier trips to Japan. There he gained appreciation of ‘the people’s art’ ‘Mingei’ where practical items like washing and utensils were looked at in a more beautiful way. In viewing functional items like these in a more magical way, applied art and design elevates the functional aspect of current culture and celebrates it. 

Renée Macdonald, shoe designer and 2015 awardee, was also a panelist at last Fall’s Carter Wosk exhibition. She defined applied art and design as using your craft to make something beautiful, practical and functional. Renée makes bespoke leather shoes and is inspired by her client’s desire to have something unique and of high quality. 

In these times it is important to support artists who create art, who make the functional things fun, innovative and more beautiful. Now more than ever, awards like the Applied Art + Design Award, create a space for shared inspiration, encourage mutual support amongst artists, and provide an opportunity to appreciate the beauty in this time of chaos. 

The Award highlights people creating art, celebrating culture and enhancing the cultural economy of BC. And now that nominations are open online, it’s your chance to share the achievements of an artist, perhaps your own. This province is filled with wonderfully creative people who create practical art and you can help elevate excellence through their work by nominating them for the 2020 Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design. #nominatenow

Today, as BC Achievement launches the 14th annual  Fulmer Award in First Nations Art (FNA), and our province moves forward with COVID 19 Phase 3 of reopening, it’s timely to consider the ever-current words of world renowned Tahltan and Tlingit artist, Dempsey Bob. During recent conversations with First Nations artists and their communities, we have heard that now, more than ever, we need to shine a light on excellence in First Nations Art. Dempsey, who is also the inaugural recipient of the FNA program’s lifetime achievement Award of Distinction, closed the 2018 Fulmer Award ceremony with a powerful address to all artists as to the importance of their work and its impact on identity and culture. 

“The amazing designs of our ancestors represents some of the greatest art ever done, and that’s what we’ve been trying to get close to, but I think they’ve carved a wall that’s so big and deep that we could never get over it. And I’ve realized that the only thing we could do today is carve a new wall, and these artists are going to be part of that wall. Because quality and excellence are what matters in life and in your work along with your belief in your culture and your people. When you look at life, at great art, you’re looking at intelligence. You’re looking at integrity. You’re looking at somebody’s belief system. You’re also looking at truth, a truth that must be said. Because art is what keeps us in line as a people, it gives you identity, and a sense of place. It gives you meaning. It gives you direction.” 

Since 2006, the FNA  program has celebrated the intersection of art and culture, while honouring First Nations artistic traditions. Aiming to create an authentic space for community engagement, mentorship and storytelling where traditions are passed onto younger generations and shared with a BC-wide audience the program has shone a light on 77 outstanding artists. Dempsey challenges today’s generation of artists to ‘come alive and find the balance’ that drawing trains you to see. Noting that the goal for artists is to achieve the ‘magical line’ that dictates power and balance with soft curves and strong forms, he reminds his audiences that ‘talent is cheap and it’s the dedication and the commitment that fosters art’. 

Two FNA program alumni, Tsimshian artist Phil Gray (2014 Awardee) and KC Hall, Heiltsuk Nation and (2018 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist) spoke to their efforts and commitment to their respective practices last November. They shared what makes them get out of bed in the morning and it is, for each of them, their drive to continually improve upon their art – it is their pursuit of excellence. Phil told us that he loves what he does but that it is not an easy life to live as he digs deep each day to raise the bar and KC said that he constantly wants to keep painting and he longs to get to his desk to produce and get better. They identified with Dempsey’s words calling it the “magnificent struggle’ because as Dempsey warned, ‘you just don’t know if you’re going to get it done’: 

“It’s not easy because you have to motivate yourself. You have to try to get better. We always try to get better, and you have to continuously learn. Because if you stop learning, you stop being an artist.” 

KC and Phil also spoke to the importance of receiving the Fulmer Award and that the resulting validation, boost of confidence and incentive to push forward with their own artistic struggles was paramount to their own pursuits. And now the 2020 Fulmer Award program is open for nominations and ready to highlight a new cohort of artists. During these challenging times artists have much to say about their ability to build resilience.

Nominate Now and #shinethelightbc on a First Nations artist in your community. Be part of it and tell a First Nations artist’s story, perhaps your own, and share how BC continues to be a place filled with astonishing craft, with unique and immensely expressive power, and continuous wonder. #nominatenowbc 

Nominations open today for the 2020 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program! Consulting with its many stakeholders, BC Achievement has heard one resounding response that now, more than ever, is the time to shine the light on ‘what is possible and what is positive’ for Indigenous entrepreneurs.   

Alumni, such as Nene Kraneveldt (2019 Awardee), have shared their experiences and underlined that the ‘opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with individuals, families along with communities and Nations with a goal to inspire’ is key at this time and all are encouraged to nominate businesses for this year’s award program. We’ve heard many stories of resilience during these challenging times and look forward to receiving more within the context of the nomination process. 

As the province continues reopening with phase two of COVID, businesses are adapting or pausing their practices and this year’s nomination process encourages that these approaches be noted. Nominees and nominators have told us that the simple task of sitting down to complete the nomination form provides the enormous side benefit of taking stock of the successes and challenges of running a business and that alone is such a valuable undertaking. 

The IBA nomination process creates the space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to share their dreams, their hard lessons and, give a new definition to what success means in their world. Indigenous businesses feel that giving back to their communities is the driving force for their business success. This unique aspect of Indigenous entrepreneurship is celebrated as part of the program’s mission. 

Be part of it and share these stories of building resilience in business excellence by nominating worthy Indigenous businesses for the 2020 program. BC Achievement staff is eager and ready to assist you and together, work through the process. It’s time to #nominatenowbc.   

Online nominations open this month for three of BC Achievement’s award programs. Do you or someone you know, fit any of these categories? If so, nominate now!  

Indigenous Business Award – Elevates excellence within Indigenous-owned businesses 

Fulmer Award in First Nations Art – Celebrates artistic excellence in traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists. 

Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design – Honours excellence in functional art and design  

Here are some tips to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when it comes to completing the nomination form.  

How do you write an effective Artist’s Statement as required by the Carter Wosk and Fulmer awards?  

This is your chance to tell your story and describe how and why your work should be considered for the award. Expand on what makes your work unique and interesting, how it contributes to the cultural economy of BC, who or what has influenced you, and why the jury should select your submission above the others. You can write about who has influenced you, how your work has the respect of your peers and/or how you’ve mentored others. 

What makes for a compelling resumé?  

The most important thing is to make sure it’s up-to-date! Don’t forget to add your accomplishments, the galleries and/or associations you’re connected with and how long you’ve been involved with your practice, business and/or art. 

What kind of images are required? 

A picture tells a thousand words so make sure your images tell the story. The best advice for images is to ensure they show your art in the best light possible. No pun intended- the lighting must be good and sharpen your images to show off all the details of your hard work. Even if you work in different mediums, include images that reveal your signature style. And if you have images from earlier in your career add them to show how your work has evolved. 

Why include your business story?  

If your nomination is for the Indigenous Business Award, your story is important to share. The jury will want to know about your successes, your challenges and the benefits you offer to you employees and local community. Given the challenges COVID-19 has imposed on most BC businesses, feel free to talk about how your business has been affected. 

Watch for these Nomination Dates 

Online nominations for the Indigenous Business Award program open on June 15, 2020. Followed by the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art opening online on June 22, and the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design on June 29! Check online and Nominate! You can find more helpful tips on submitting a compelling nomination here. 

Be part of it  

Elevate excellence in BC and nominate a deserving individual or business for one of these awards. Together we will hold each other up and inspire achievement through recognition. #nominatenowbc 

June is Nominate Month at BC Achievement.  

It’s important to elevate excellence through nominations for award programs – it raises awareness of the good things happening in our communities and inspires innovation, change and leadership. Nominating someone or their business for an award showcases their ongoing initiative, their dedicated commitment to their practice, their tenacity and their excellence in their chosen field. Nominating is a great way to demonstrate respect and gratitude for someone who achieves excellence in their endeavours and whose story can inspire others through this recognition. 

What are the benefits of a successful nomination to an awardee? Most importantly, it helps raise the profile of the awardee and the community they serve. It reinforces that the awardee is on the right path and it helps validate all the efforts they’ve put into their chosen field as being worthwhile. A successful nomination also helps share experiences with others in the field, creating role models and establishing platforms for change while bringing people together over common interests and passions. 

By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, BC Achievement’s award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work. Recognition serves as a tool that can contribute to growth and development of individuals, communities and organizations throughout the province. 

BC Achievement’s four award programs allow incredible people to be recognized by their peers. Do you know someone who fits these categories? Then nominate now and help shine the light on excellence in BC! 

Community Award – Recognizes those who go above and beyond expectations to better their communities 

Indigenous Business Award – Elevates excellence within   Indigenous-owned businesses 

Fulmer Award in First Nations Art – Celebrates artistic excellence in traditional and contemporary visual arts by First Nations artists. 

Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design – Honours excellence in functional art and design  

Online nominations for the Indigenous Business Award program open on June 15, 2020. Followed by the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art opening online on June 22^nd, and the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design on June 29^th! Check online and Nominate!

Be part of it “elevate excellence in BC” and Nominate a deserving individual or business for one of these awards. 

There’s an analogy about our current world situation right now that feels quite relevant: we are all in individual boats while battling the same storm. 

That’s why our individual responses to the pandemic are so, well, individual. Conversations with alumni from each of BC Achievement’s programs have revealed a myriad of responses on survival during the pandemic. While some are continuing to create art as usual from a home studio, others may have paused their businesses, while even more alumni are charging forward with their art, business, or supporting local organizations and their communities. 

Indigenous Business Awardee, Denise Halfyard has pivoted from floral design to creating beautiful beaded jewellery, connecting with her Wet’suwet’en, Tsimshian and Gitxsan culture. Mary Anne Cooper, 2020 Community Award recipient, says that hard work, perseverance and appreciating community connectedness are the keys to getting through tough times and she continues to advocate for a community space in the historic Ioco townsite. Applied Art + Design awardee Claudia Schulz has expanded her hat making to creating stylistic face masks. It’s a wonderful combination of design and creativity meeting a business and health need. 

Psychologists from the American Psychology Association define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. Resilience is like a muscle, we all have it, but the more you use it, the faster and stronger your response gets. It becomes important to build resilience which allows us to get through challenging circumstances, but it also empowers us to grow and improve our lives along the way. Somehow it makes our boat in the storm a little less rocky. 

Each alum we’ve connected with has shared stories which reflect how they’ve built resilience during these last two months. What seemed like a challenge a few months ago has become a way-of-life. And, although they may not know it, each person is strengthening their respective ‘muscle’ – the resilience one – which will serve them well in the months to come. 

While our worlds may feel smaller since we are staying at home and maintaining limited social circles, in some ways, professional worlds are getting bigger.

We have seen growing collaborations between businesses to collectively solve problems. For example, Mustang Survival and Arc’teryx joined forces to create protective gowns for frontline healthcare workers. These two companies, awardees of the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design, came together to find an innovative solution using each of their skill sets, experience and passion to serve their communities.

Relationships between like-minded organizations have become strengthened as they strive towards helping their constituents. The Community Response Fund was launched by four partners with a long history of building strong communities: Vancouver Foundation, Vancity, United Way Lower Mainland, and the City of Vancouver. These organizations have rallied together to support to help communities in the short term and to build resiliency to help communities and economies thrive.

In the same light BC Achievement is collaborating with Small Business BC to share the stories of Indigenous businesses and to encourage locals to support these entrepreneurs as they work hard to continue to run their services and sell their products. Check out Small Business Marketplace to find out more about how you can post your business with this resource.

One of the things we’ve discovered is that collaborations are happening more often, but that they’re happening more quickly. It seems like everyone has time for a phone call as we’re experiencing more open slots in our schedules. This pronounced pause we’re experiencing has given us the time, space and incentive to join forces for a common good – and in doing so, strengthen our communities.

On April 27th, BC Achievement announced the names of 25 impressive recipients of the 17^th annual Community Award. Hailing from regions throughout BC and reflecting the diversity of this remarkable province, these awardees represent what it means to be the change you want to see in the world.  

The selection committee tasked with reviewing nominations and determining the list of recipients had a difficult job of selecting only 25 individuals for the award; a challenge given the high calibre of the nominations, each worthy of recognition for their contributions. The committee found that there is no shortage of people who lead by example, who give back to their communities and, who offer a hand when it’s needed.  

The Community Award program allows BC Achievement to shine a light on these such individuals by honouring their excellence. And, in doing so, provides the opportunity to share the contributions of unsung heroes and role models, whose stories often go unheard. In stewarding these cultural heroes, BC Achievement aims to inspire others to step up and build more connected communities. In the context of COVID-19, this call to action is needed now more than ever. 

This year’s cohort of awardees creates meaningful change in their respective communities, and the cumulative effect of their efforts makes this province stronger, more resilient, more creative, and more viable.  

Each awardee has their own story, their own passion and their own style and way of enhancing their community. They are all change makers through their extraordinary actions, and each carries out their work with humility. They are not looking for accolades, or attention, they are driven by a desire to do better, make better, and share the success of their efforts with those around them. For many the value in the award is the attention it brings to the cause or organization they serve. 

BC Achievement salutes these 25 awardees who are being honoured for their generosity of spirit and their commitment to serve. Join with BC Achievement for the #shinethelightbc campaign for the next 25 days – with daily tributes to each of these outstanding British Columbians who lead by their example. Together, we will lift them up and share their stories and may we all be inspired to be the change we want to see in the world.  

Congratulations and much appreciation to these 2020 Community Awardees: 

Aisha Amijee, Surrey
Dr. Paige Axelrood, Vancouver
Domingo (Dom) Bautista, Richmond
Duncan Bernardo, Vancouver
Morgan Churchill, Fort St. John
Dr. Mary Anne Cooper, Port Moody
Carolyn Duerksen, Prince George
Lorrie Fleming, 70 Mile House
Julie Fowler, Wells
Bonnie Harvey, Cranbrook
Gloria Kravac, Burnaby
Larissa Lapierre, Port Coquitlam
Steven (Steve) Little, Terrace
Jacqueline Macgregor, Chilliwack
Myles Mattila, Kelowna
Valerie Murray, Victoria
Leigh Pearson, Coldstream
Sarjeet Purewal, Surrey
John Ranta, Cache Creek
Ivan Sayers, Vancouver
Steven (Steve) Sorensen, Sooke
Carolina Tatoosh, Port Alberni
Jim Terrion, Prince George
Dr. Andrea Walsh, North Saanich
Shayne Williams, New Westminster

A recent survey by Small Business BC and their partners revealed some key findings on challenges faced by the small business community because of COVID-19. Those included everything from a drop in revenue, a decrease in demand for products and services and a reduction in staff. These businesses are not alone and their struggles are not going unnoticed; there have been a number of government programs put in place to support these businesses and there have also been initiatives that encourage people to continue to patronize their local shops and services. Small Business BC has done just that by creating Small Business Marketplace – a one stop shop for individuals to check out the amazing businesses still operational – and it includes a section to highlight the offerings of Indigenous businesses. 

At the same time, many businesses have been looking to how they can survive, pivot and still connect with their clients and communities. We spoke to three 2019 Awardees of BC Achievement’s Indigenous Business Award to see how they are faring during this crisis, what they have done to adapt and their thoughts on surviving this challenging period. 

Salish Seaside RV Haven in Victoria has introduced temporary measures to protect both their staff and visitors. Manager Tom Westley has worked with the board to ensure they are paying staff full wages despite reduced working hours. Being in the travel industry, their occupancy and revenue have taken a huge hit with booking cancellations. They remain open for the time being and are closely following the Provincial and Federal guidelines to ensure the safety of their guests, community members and staff. And they are remaining hopeful: 

 “This will come to an end and Canada, on the whole, is in far better shape than the rest of the world. One thing that has really spurred us on during these dark times are the kind words and actions of our customers. We’ve had multiple meals, sweet treats and heaps of positivity and support from our guests. Even some of our European guests who have had to cancel bookings this summer, have chosen to support this company and community by not accepting their money back.” 

Boomer and Judy Desjarlais, owners and operators of Top Notch Oilfield Contracting Ltd in Fort St John are dealing with the impact of the crisis on their oilfield and construction projects. But they’re looking at how they can help others. Boomer and Judy are supporting the elders in their community by bringing supplies to them while practicing safe distancing measures. Their advice to others is to stay home and help protect elders who are the teachers, and children who are the future. “May you have peace of mind, strength and courage during these trying times and know that this too shall pass.” 

Imagination FX is a full-service video production company based out of Port Alberni. Owner Nene Kranveldt knows all too well that to succeed, businesses need to adapt allowing new opportunities to emerge. The impact of the pandemic on her business has meant working differently: “Rather than us being on location and shooting video we have our clients shoot the video and we coach them through the preparation, scripting and tips and tricks. We then take their footage and edit and brand for their desired purpose. All is well, no disruption to service or income…just accepting and adapting.”  

Some of her projects have been put on pause but Nene hasn’t paused the relationships with her clients, friends and colleagues which she has nurtured over the years. “We reach out and offer support, we have provided some pro-bono services and we have donated to organizations that are helping families in need.” Imagination FX has also reconnected with clients from the past.  “Organizations and governments whom we have served in the past (some in completely different contexts now) have reached out for us to help them with their communication needs. Even when projects end, even when clients move onto other organizations, even when your company may not be the best fit for the work…if you have built the relationships and made the brand deposits you will never be short of opportunities.” 

A recent survey by Vancity reported that BC has the second-largest number or self-employed Indigenous workers in Canada, after Ontario with 21% of the national total. How has Covid-19 impacted this growing number of businesses? With a rapidly evolving situation, it’s hard to know how companies have been impacted but we do have a sense of how they’re adapting.

Updates from our Indigenous Business Award alumni show that many businesses are adapting to working from home. If you’re new to working remotely, you can have a look at this helpful list of tips for working from home compiled by Animikii, IBA awardee from 2019 https://www.animikii.com/news/16-tools-to-ease-the-transition-to-remote-work-for-indigenous-organizations

Many artists are able to continue creating art at home and in their studios. Consultants are able to work remotely and provide services online to clients. And food-related businesses have been taking online order as well as sharing recipes on social media (thank you IBA award alumni, Mr. Bannock Foods). We also know that many businesses are struggling, and individuals are stressed. However, BC communities are coming together to support one another and collectively sharing achievements! If it’s within your budget, buy from a local business, order a gift care for future products, share posts from the business on your own social media feeds.

Let’s work together!