The 5th Annual SWITCH was presented at The Imperial on November 17, 2016 to a sold out audience. MC Stephen Quinn hosted a full program of entertainment including: Stephen Lytton and Renae Morriseau, St. James Music Academy, James Garton and Demon Squad, Scruffmouth, and The Leisure Principle. Featured artists including: Leef Evans, Stacey Smith, Zola Star, Richard Tetrault, and Christine Wightman. The energy filled event raised a new record for donations from its generous patrons in support of the DTES Community Arts Fund and community-led renewal through the arts.
Two new awards were announced, the inaugural Yulanda M. Faris Young Philanthropist Award and the Volunteer Legacy Award.
The Yulanda M. Faris Young Philanthropist Award was launched to recognize leaders in fundraising for the arts under 35 years old. The award criteria looked at applicants’ involvement in board service, major gifts, fundraising projects, and commitment to raising the profile of the arts in Vancouver. As part of this award a $1000 donation will be made to a DTES arts organization of the winner’s choice. Helen Duckworth who works as the Gallery and Volunteer Coordinator at the Federation for Canadian Artists, chose Gallery Gachet to receive the donation.
In 2015, Helen’s LIMITLESS online art exhibition and competition created new exhibition opportunities for artists. Through her efforts, the entirely self-funded exhibition was paid for, artists were awarded cash prizes and a $1000 bursary was raised for students in post-secondary visual arts courses who demonstrated financial need.
Michael Clague received the 2016 Volunteer Legacy Award for his exceptional volunteerism at CACV. Michael served on the CACV board of directors from 2006-2015, including stints as Vice-President and President. Michael has also been very involved in the DTES as former director of the Carnegie Centre and has been a long-time advocate for community arts. In 2007, he was recognized with the designation of the Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions and commitment to social planning and action through the arts.
