We are delighted to announce a generous $1.5 million capital campaign gift from Donald Ellis, a long-time supporter of the Gallery. His gift follows a donation of five finely carved silver and gold bracelets and spoons by the iconic Haida carver Charles Edenshaw (1839-1920) in December.

“The artistic contributions of Indigenous peoples over centuries—from the Coast Salish, the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, Haida (Xaat Kíl) and beyond—are essential to the history of Canada. I am deeply committed to the expansion of the Vancouver Art Gallery and the potential it has to advance reconciliation through art. By remembering the effects of history, art can be a healing act providing the public with opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and culture,” said Ellis. “It is my hope that my contribution will inspire others in the community to participate and have a hand in shaping Vancouver’s cultural identity.”

“Through his monetary and art donations over the past decade, Donald Ellis has been a generous donor to the Vancouver Art Gallery,” said Daina Augaitis, Interim Director. “I’m thrilled that he is making such a remarkable commitment to showcase historical Indigenous art in the new Gallery building. His generosity brings us one step closer to realizing your new Gallery building.”

Ellis' gift brings the total amount raised from the private sector to $86.5 million—the highest amount ever raised by an arts and culture organization in British Columbia. Including the initial support from the Province of British Columbia, the campaign has reached a total of $136.5 million to date.

Show your support for the project by contacting your local MP or MLA today!

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FEATURED VIDEO

DONALD ELLIS
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONOR »
Art Makes Us | Honouring the Past and Looking to the Future

Watch this video interview with Donald Ellis, Tarah Hogue, the Gallery’s Senior Curatorial Fellow of Indigenous Art, and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Haida artist and author, to learn more.

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For more information, visit vanartgallery.bc.ca/future-gallery.