RBC Foundation Gives Hand Up to Emerging Artists at The Reach

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Grant cheque presentation at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford featuring (l-r): Jason Epp, Branch Manager, RBC Royal Bank Sevenoaks, Jeff Starchuk, Branch Manager RBC Royal Bank Clearbrook, Laura Schneider, Executive Director & Curator, The Reach

The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford’s vital Emerge program got a big financial boost to expand and diversify its young artists program.

In presenting the grant cheque at The Reach’s spring exhibitions opening, Jeff Starchuk, RBC Royal Bank Branch Manager, Clearbrook, said this: “At RBC, we truly care about investing in the places where we live and work, and this $7,500 RBC Foundation grant demonstrates our commitment to Emerge @The Reach artists program. 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.”

“Since 2013, RBC Foundation has committed $6.7 million to arts and cultural organizations, supporting local, national and international initiatives. The RBC Emerging Artists Projects helps artist’s bridge the gap from emerging to established, and supports organizations that provide the best opportunity to advance their career path. We support arts organizations and artists in a range of genres including visual art, music, theatre, performance, literature and film.”

On receiving the Emerge funding support, Laura Schneider, Executive Director & Curator at The Reach responded: “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. I want to thank this RBC Foundation partner in particular for their meaningful support of our organization.”

In 2015, The Reach initiated a program called Emerge @The Reach. 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. We have already seen some of our members go on to exciting employment opportunities and this year, the crucial support from the RBC Emerging Artist Grant Project ensures the program’s growth and sustainability.

Source: The Reach Gallery