BAF is announcing the decision to close our doors after 10 years of contributing to the Vancouver arts community. Our leadership has made the difficult decision to suspend our core non-profit arts programming on October 28, 2023, taking a hiatus to re-evaluate our future.

Since the inception of BAF in 2013, we have produced and supported over 50 artist residencies, 115 exhibitions, and 28 public art projects. Always honouring our mission “to amplify creative culture in pursuit of collective inspiration”, BAF has worked hard to reduce constraints and expand access within Vancouver’s art community.

The organization has, by and large, focused on promoting the work of emerging artists, providing them with the studio space, materials, financial assistance and professional development resources in support of their artistic practices over the years. Within the city of Vancouver, it can be difficult for cultural practitioners to find the space, time, and financial resources to create their art, preventing them from reaching their full potential. BAF is proud to have been an important part of these artists’ journeys, having been able to provide them with the tools and resources to successfully elevate their profiles and facilitate work that may not have been realized otherwise.  Many of the BAF “alumni” artists had their first institutional shows at BAF, moving on to be featured in major exhibitions, institutions, and collections.

“It has truly been a pleasure to be able to foster local talent here in Vancouver. We are extremely grateful to all the brilliant artists we have worked with over the past ten years,” said Kate Bellringer, Director of BAF. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the instrumental support of the Chan Family Foundation, as well as the efforts of our amazing staff and community that have helped sustain our programming.”

Although the organization will not maintain a dedicated gallery space, BAF’s online presence will continue to serve as a resource and an archive of our past programming.

“The last decade has been an absolute joy, and we feel privileged to have built something very special that has strengthened the cultural fabric of the city,” said Christian Chan, Founder and Board President of BAF. “Over the years, the original thesis for BAF was proven time and time again—that the depth of emerging and creative talent here in Vancouver is immense, and we simply need more opportunities to showcase it.”

Image: Installation view by Dennis Ha of Jonathan Alfaro’s “High-Fructose Sun” and Karice Mitchell’s “Intimacy Is.”