Visual Arts Nova Scotia

Visual Arts Nova Scotia advances the visual arts through leadership, education, and communication.

Vision

Visual Arts Nova Scotia believes in a future where a career as an artist is accessible, sustainable, and recognized as an integral part of our communities.

Mission

Visual Arts Nova Scotia (VANS) supports artists through education, connection and advocacy. We operate across Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the L’nu people, also known as Nova Scotia. We prioritize artist-to-artist learning through workshops, mentorship, and sharing information about meaningful opportunities.

Visual Arts Nova Scotia advocates for artists by listening to their concerns, speaking up for their needs, and creating platforms to share their work. Recognizing that equity-seeking artists face additional barriers to a career in the arts, Visual Arts Nova Scotia works to make resources accessible to artists across the province, while prioritizing support for those who are impacted by systemic oppression.

Values

Equity:

 Prioritize diverse perspectives and work to dismantle oppressive systems and barriers that exclude equity-seeking artists. Use an intersectional approach to prioritize and uplift underrepresented communities in the visual arts.

Sustainability: 

Work proactively, responsively, and transparently, while respectfully acknowledging the limitations of our resources, to build a sustainable future for artists. Approach challenges with both optimism and pragmatism, prioritizing consistent effort over urgency.

Connection: 

Create opportunities for artists to connect with and support each other. Lead with generosity while facilitating opportunities for artists to pursue their careers. Champion artists’ unique contributions to society, offering perspectives to connect us with each other and the world around us.