95% of the Foundation’s annual revenue is derived from
non-governmental sources
The Smith Foundation Endowment Fund
The Smith Foundation established an Endowment Fund in 2010. The interest from the fund provides much needed revenue to support programming, exhibitions and general operations. The Smith Foundation has contributed close to 3 million dollars to the endowment since then.
Artists for Kids Educational Programming
Artists For Kids (AfK), North Vancouver School District’s widely acclaimed program, was established in 1989 and provides over 5,000 young people each year with art enrichment program opportunities. We proudly support AFK with an annual grant, we offer scholarships to young aspiring artists and we provide AfK the volunteers needed to support for The Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art. The Smith Foundation has contributed over 3 million dollars to Artists For Kids since 2002, supporting over 55,000 young artists pursuing their passion for the arts.
Artists for Kids offers a wide variety of programming for all age groups. Our enrichment programs bring together artists with teachers and students, for full-day, skill-specific classes that celebrate learning.
View here our learning guides offered by AFK Educators.
View here for Artist-In-Residence Videos.
Visit Artist for Kids youtube site, for more learning resources.
Our Community Programming
The North Shore is a distinct and vibrant community and we are happy to offer thought-provoking programs for our neighbours. Our statistics show that our efforts are worthwhile and generate excitement and interest. 5,650 took part in Smith Foundation-led activities in 2018
- 2,750 guests visited during regular gallery hours
- 550 additional visitors engaged in 67 docent-led activities
- 1,500 engaged in our public programs (Classics @ the Smith, Jazz @ the Smith)
- 350 children came to our Saturday art workshops
- 500 patrons attended our fundraisers
Our Fundraisers
Brilliance Gala, June 15, 2023
16th Annual Spring Luncheon, June 2, 2019
“Most charities canvas artists for their fundraising efforts. And they are generally the same artists. Concerned about taxing the very people the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation aims to support, the Foundation proposed a new idea. They invited collectors that understand the art world to donate a piece from their own personal collection to the “1 One off the Wall” fundraiser. The result was 15 pieces on the auction block looking for new homes. The second annual wingding, held at Hawksworth’s York Room at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, attracted a community of art appreciators, art collectors and art enablers to the art sale hosted by yours truly and orchestrated by veteran auctioneer Barry Scott. Works by Douglas Coupland, Rodney Graham, Peter Aspell, Victor Cicansky, Roberta Bondar and more were quickly snapped up contributing to the more than $115,000 raised for the foundation and its many art-focused services and programs.”