September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system, their families, and the children who never made it home. It is a solemn reminder of colonial violence and a call for each of us to take responsibility for…

Every colour holds a story. Some fall in whispers, others drift in light, and together they create the shifting canvas of our shared world. Through their work, artists draw these stories into being, transforming what might otherwise pass unnoticed into truths that belong to us all. A gesture of the…

Artists deserve more than survival. They deserve recognition and fair pay. We have all heard the term “starving artist.” It has been repeated so often that it almost feels true. For centuries literature and art have portrayed struggling artists as noble souls who sacrificed fame fortune and comfort to pursue…

Who Is an Artist? It is a deceptively simple question. When I think of the word artist, what first comes to mind are images of people drawing painting or sculpting. Then I think of my other artist friends: actors authors and musicians. When I ask others their answers stretch even further…

In 2024, CARFAC BC hosted a series of Listening Sessions with artists across the province. We asked, and you answered generously, thoughtfully, and with vision. You told us what is working, what is missing, and what is needed to better support BC’s visual…

The final report from the 2024–2025 CARFAC BC Listening Sessions are now available on our website under News & Events, or can be accessed here. FULL REPORT SUMMARY Initial Purpose: To update the story of CARFAC to illustrate the significance and relevance of CARFAC for all artists in BC; To…

CARFAC BC thanks outgoing President Miah Shull Olmsted and departing staff member Emily Zhang, both now Directors at Large. Trevor Van den Eijnden becomes Interim President and Tina Overbury Treasurer-Secretary. We welcome Larissa Blokhuis as Membership and Communications Coordinator. Updated staff and board roles reflect continued stability and growth.

CARFAC BC’s 2024 AGM highlighted a year of advocacy and progress for visual, multimedia, and multimodal artists. A new Board was elected for 2024–26, reaffirming commitment to artists’ rights and professional development. Staff and directors continue advancing CARFAC BC’s mission with gratitude for members’ ongoing support and participation.

As we approach the spring equinox, we find ourselves in a moment of perfect balance: day and night, light and dark, renewal and reflection. For many Indigenous peoples, this time holds deep significance and marks a transition into a new season of growth, transformation, and...

CARFAC BC honours the Indigenous Advisory Circle, whose guidance shaped CARFAC National’s Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts. These protocols address intellectual property, cultural appropriation, and informed consent, supporting respectful collaboration and Indigenous sovereignty. CARFAC BC remains committed to advancing these practices and fostering equitable, culturally grounded spaces for Indigenous artists across the province.

CARFAC National’s Public Art Toolkit supports artists navigating public art projects, offering guidance on proposals, contracts, intellectual property, budgeting, and collaboration with municipalities and stakeholders. By clarifying processes and reinforcing artist rights, the toolkit empowers creators at all levels. CARFAC BC champions this free resource to help artists thrive in public art.

In 2025, CARFAC BC expands member support with updated fair compensation rates, multilingual and accessible professional development, digital toolkits, community-building programs, virtual exhibitions, and strengthened advocacy. New initiatives prioritize emerging, youth, Indigenous, Elder, rural, and racialized artists, ensuring equitable opportunities and long-term artistic sustainability across British Columbia.

CARFAC BC’s AGM will be held on November 20, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Artists and supporters can meet board candidates, review annual updates, and vote if they are members in good standing. Attendance is free. Memberships can be renewed online. All BC artists are welcome.

CARFAC BC seeks passionate, skilled volunteers for its Board of Directors. Directors commit 8–10 hours monthly, serve on committees, and advocate for artists’ rights, accessibility, equity, and fair labour practices. Desired skills include mentorship, advocacy, fundraising, financial management, social media, and accessible design. Applicants should email a bio and links to apply.