Arts Umbrella Launches 2025 Spring Fundraising Campaign with Call for Essential Donor Support

Nearly 75% of the not-for-profit’s students access multidisciplinary arts education at no cost

In an effort to increase awareness around the need for donor-funded support, Arts Umbrella – Canada’s leading not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to arts education for young people – has launched a 2025 Spring “Did You Know?” fundraising campaign. Arts Umbrella reaches nearly 20,000 youth across BC, Canada and abroad, and donor funding is essential – with close to 75% of students accessing the organization’s multidisciplinary programming at no cost.

From parent-and-me early learning to rigorous professional training, Arts Umbrella facilitates transformative life experiences for students aged 2-22. Since its founding in 1979, the organization has offered programming that emphasizes whole-self learning, encouraging students to examine the world and their place in it. Young people across BC and Canada are welcome to access Arts Umbrella programming through its Vancouver and Surrey locations, community programming, and satellite education. While many participants pursue artistic careers, others channel their creative foundations into other professions, becoming doctors, lawyers, and teachers. Regardless of their chosen path, all students gain a stronger sense of self and the soft skills required to achieve their aspirations.

Did you know?

The story of Arts Umbrella’s impact is powerfully told through recent statistics:

5,366 students enrolled in tuition-based programming in 2023/24, with 14,544 of these students participating at no cost thanks to donor funding.
Arts Umbrella awards over 545 bursaries and scholarships each year.
20 of Arts Umbrella’s programs reach more than 110 community partners, serving 6,734 children and youth.
In 2024, 70+ public schools accessed Arts Umbrella’s no-cost programming.
Delivers no-cost programming with over 110 community partners, including school boards, healthcare facilities, daycares, and community centres.
Northern Arts Connection program delivers live distance learning to remote communitiesacross Canada, including Ontario, Yukon, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut. In 2023/24, Arts Umbrella reached 183 students in nine different schools through this program.
The Post-Secondary Dance Program attracts students from around the world.

“The positive impact that Arts Umbrella has on young people is immeasurable. Our programs help students gain confidence, develop self-discipline, and discover creative expression – all of which are essential tools for life,” said Paul Larocque, President & CEO of Arts Umbrella. “What many people don’t realize is that close to 75% of our students access education at no cost. We rely on donations to keep our doors open and ensure young people of all backgrounds, socioeconomic situations, and walks of life can continue to explore their passion for the arts. Through our programs, we are supporting the next generation – and it’s imperative that we equip them with the resources they need to succeed, thrive, and be happy.”

How You Can Help This Spring, and Throughout the Year

Reaching as many young people as Arts Umbrella does every year is possible only through the generosity of donors. With approximately 5% of annual revenues coming from all levels of government, Arts Umbrella is sustained through private sector support. With demand growing for Arts Umbrella’s no-cost programming, the need for donations is greater than ever before. This spring, community members can support the organization and help meet this growing need by:

Making a donation online – big or small, every gift has a significant impact.
Purchasing tickets to Arts Umbrella student shows. Upcoming performances include:
Expressions Theatre Festival – inspired, entertaining performances, and innovative showcases centered around celebrating Arts Umbrella’s talented young artists. Dates: See the 2025 lineup online, running now through June 7.
Arts Umbrella Dance Company Season Finale – a series of performances that represents the art of dance as envisioned by some of the world’s greatest choreographers. Dates:May 22-24 at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets can be booked online.
Purchase Arts Umbrella merchandise at the onsite store located at Arts Umbrella’s Granville Island location.

For more information about Arts Umbrella and the 2025 Spring Fundraising Campaign, visit www.artsumbrella.com.

Social media: @artsumbrella #didyouknow

About Arts Umbrella

Arts Umbrella’s mission is to deliver profound life experiences through arts education that inspire young people to live creative, authentic, and courageous lives. Founded in Vancouver in 1979, Arts Umbrella is Canada’s leading not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to arts education for children and youth. With two locations, and programs in art, design, dance, theatre, music, and film, Arts Umbrella provides the highest standard of arts educational training led by a faculty of more than 200 passionate artists and educators. Providing access to an arts education is the cornerstone of everything we do and, today, Arts Umbrella serves approximately 20,000 young people annually, with approximately 73% accessing a wide range of programs at no cost, thanks to donor funding. www.artsumbrella.com

Media release and image provided by Gemma Bishop, Gather Public Relations. photography credit: Devan Francis