Arts Umbrella’s 2025 Splash Art Auction Raises $1.73M for Youth Arts Education

Arts Umbrella, Canada’s leading not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to youth arts education, is proud to announce the success of its 43rd annual Splash Art Auction, which raised $1.73M in support of young creatives.

Presented by Nicola Wealth and held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the sold-out event welcomed over 600 guests for an electric evening of live performances by Arts Umbrella students, fine dining, and a high-energy auction led by Hank Bull featuring 92 works by celebrated Canadian and international artists. With Gloria Macarenko and Fred Lee serving as the evening’s impeccable hosts, the event toasted the transformative power of creativity and community impact.

Among the attendees were featured artists, Maggie Hall, Valerie Raynard, Kevin Boyle, Angela Grossman, Richard Henriquez, Gabryel Harrison, Dana Claxton, Russna Kaur, Athena Bax, Ian Wallace, Michael Corner, Jonathan Syme, Cole Speck, Marleen Vermeulen and Don Yeomans. 

Continuing a growing tradition, this year’s Splash art collection was once again previewed at the Pendulum Gallery, expanding community access and amplifying engagement with Vancouver’s arts scene.

“This year’s Splash proved what we’ve always believed: when artists and community members show up for young people, incredible things happen,” said Paul Larocque, President and CEO of Arts Umbrella. “Raising $1.73M is no small feat – it speaks to the heart of this city and the power of collective generosity. Thanks to every artist who donated their work and every guest who put in a bid, we’re opening more doors for youth to dream, explore, and create – regardless of their background or circumstances.”

The Splash 2025 Art Collection featured 92 art pieces by established and emerging Canadian and international artists, such as Ian Wallace, Moses Salihou, Maggie Hall, Russna Kaur, Dana Claxton, Cole Speck, Kim Dorland, and Jonathan Syme.

Splash is Arts Umbrella’s flagship fundraiser, with proceeds directly funding scholarships, bursaries, and accessible programming for thousands of young people across Metro Vancouver and beyond. Each year, Arts Umbrella reaches nearly 20,000 youth, with close to 75 percent participating in programming at no cost. 

For more information, or to make a donation to Arts Umbrella, visit www.artsumbrella.com.