RBC recently presented a $7,500 cheque to The Reach Gallery for its Emerging Artists Project. Picture are (from left) The Reach executive director Laura Schneider, emerging artist Kendra Anderson, and Jodi O’Hara of RBC.

RBC recently presented a $7,500 cheque to The Reach Gallery for its Emerging Artists Project. Picture are (from left) The Reach executive director Laura Schneider, emerging artist Kendra Anderson, and Jodi O’Hara of RBC.

The Reach’s Emerging Artist Project gets $7,500 boost

RBC makes donation to support artists in early stage of their careers

The Reach Gallery Museum recently received a $7,500 boost from RBC to support the development of emerging artists in the Fraser Valley.

The donation will go towards the RBC Emerging Artists Project to assist artists at the earliest stages of their careers.

“At RBC, we feel that the arts encourage a culture of creativity and innovation, and helps foster diversity and inclusion in our communities,” said Jodi O’Hara, assistant branch manager of the Sevenoaks RBC location.

The Reach initiated a program called Emerge @The Reach in 2015.

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.

The program also provides Emerge members with mentorship and access to professional development initiatives, including skill-based workshops and one-on-one sessions with industry specialists.

Some Emerge members have already gone on to exciting employment and educational opportunities.

The Reach executive director Laura Schneider said the RBC Emerging Artists Project ensures the program’s growth and sustainability.

“We can’t express how important it is to have the support of a backer like RBC in our efforts to encourage the growth and professionalization of our cultural community,” she said.

Emerge @The Reach will host a fundraiser this fall at The Reach.

Visit thereach.ca/emerge or call 604-864-8087 for more information.

Abbotsford News