Vines Artist Care & Survival Program 2026 Fundraising Campaign

When artists experience crisis - sudden grief, health challenges, housing instability, or unexpected loss there is often no safety net.

Vines Artist Care & Survival Program provides rapid, low-barrier support. We move quickly, and prioritize relationships over bureaucracy. Vines centers artists who face systemic barriers with limited access to generational wealth — particularly BIPOC and Disabled artists. 

Funds are directed toward 

• Emergency basic needs and rent support
• wellness and culturally grounded care
• Funeral and ceremony attendence

Vines also offers in-kind space and infrastructure for

• grassroots organizing
• community care practices
• artistic responses that challenge systems of oppression and uplift collective resilience.

2025 Impact

Who We Reached

• 90% of recipients identify as BIPOC
• 85% identify as Disabled and/or Neurodivergent

Where Funds Went

• Rent: 21%
• Health: 26%
• Funeral Costs: 19%
• Cultural: 20%
• Tragic Incident: 8%

Beyond emergency grants, we also provide in-kind space and infrastructure for grassroots and community care initiatives including:

• V6A Garden School workshops and food & medicine distribution in the DTES
• Clothing distributions in partnership with POWER
• Land protection and tenancy rights  fundraisers
• Host Nation ceremonies
• Vigils and funerals for DTES members
• Youth-led art builds
• Palestinian led healing spaces and fundraisers

This work strengthens our art ecosystem — not just individuals.

2026 Fundraising Campaign

We are raising $30,000 between March 1 – August 31, 2026 to sustain this vital fund.

Donate today to directly support artists navigating crises. It helps keep people housed, cared for, and connected to community.

Every contribution large or small makes an immediate impact.

Donations of $25+ receive a tax receipt through Canada Helps.

To partner, contribute in-kind, or learn more:info@vinesartfestival.com