Working in partnership with The Vancouver Bach Choir

In 2018, The Taylor Taliesin Foundation received a grant application from the Vancouver Bach Choir (VBC) to help fund their annual youth retreat. The VBC includes 8 choral assemblies for all ages. The children’s program is a multi-tiered program that provides choral training to over 350 young people from kindergarten to young adulthood.

What started with a simple grant application has led us to a mutually beneficial relationship with VBC. We experienced first hand the benefits the additional funding made in supporting our youth to participate in the arts.

The Polygon Gallery exterior, photo: Anita Bonnarens, 2019
Gallery School participants record their thoughts and sketch in journals while exploring the exhibition Batia Suter: Parallel Encyclopedia Extended, photo: Anita Bonnarens, 2018
A Gallery School participant speaks with Assistant Curator Justin Ramsey, photo: Anita Bonnarens, 2019

Working in partnership with The British Columbia Photography and Media Arts Society

The Taylor Taliesin Foundation was thrilled to receive a grant application from The British Columbia Photography and Media Arts Society (The Polygon Gallery) in 2018. Since that time we have supported transportation costs for the elementary school program called “Gallery School”. This program welcomes more than 200 school children per year to participate in a 5 day session of exploration and discovery across a broad range of art disciplines. It provides direct encounters with artists and educators who lead tours, discussions, and art-making activities. The Taylor Taliesin Foundation has also partnered with the Polygon Gallery to launch an indigenous arts photography program for youth and young adults.

Working in partnership with Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives Society

Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) has been serving the Richmond community for nearly 50 years. As a hub for volunteering and giving, RCRG connects residents with meaningful opportunities to support their community, and the causes they believe in. In addition, RCRG is a direct service provider, operating a variety of programs that improve the lives of children, youth, families, and seniors. As part of our annual commitment to improving literacy, The Taylor Taliesin Foundation has contributed toward the purchase and distribution of thousands of books to low income families and their children.

Working in partnership with Common Thread – 3H Craftworks Society

Common Thread is a program offered through the 3H Craftworks Society that provides skill development in a social setting to people living with severe mental health issues. Practical sewing and crafting techniques are taught to participants who can then use those skills to earn supplemental income. Lessons are taught in group settings as well as on a one-on-one basis for those who are unable to cope with public settings. The Taylor Taliesin Foundation has provided funding for women to participate in the program, many of whom have graduated and now supplement their income through work being done from home.