In 1993, Professor Johnson Chow
founded the Chinese Canadian Artists Federation in Vancouver. Since its
inception, over 300 visual artists have joined the Federation. At present
there are over 250 active members including Chinese ink & brush, oil,
watercolor, mixed media painters, calligraphers, seal carvers, graphic
designers, sculptors, potters, photographers. They come from China, Taiwan,
Hong Kong, Malaysia, and from other places populated by ethnic Chinese.
Some, who are not Chinese, have also joined because of their interest in
Chinese art. Most of the members have settled in Vancouver. Whether they
are world-renowned artists or aspiring artists, they are bound together by a
common interest: that of promoting Chinese art and culture. The CCAFV
serves as a support group for new Chinese immigrants in the visual arts
field, introducing them to more established local artists and helping them
to merge into mainstream society.
Members' art works not only sing
the praises of nature but also seek contemporary and universal expression of
beauty in a positive way. We encourage creative activity that helps to
demonstrate the Oriental spirit, which in turn enhances the lives of people
by bringing beauty to them and food for their spirit. We welcome art
societies around the world to contact us for the exchange of thoughts and
experience. It is our aim to serve as across-cultural bridge of
understanding through exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations of Chinese
traditional art to Western society as well as introducing our members to
important activities going on in the Western art world.
Our constitution declares it
will:
a) Promote Chinese Canadian
art in Vancouver.
b) Organize and implement
programs and activities in the form of exhibitions, competitions,
symposiums, lectures, publications and studies to facilitate
Chinese-Canadian art and deepen the community's understanding and
appreciation of it.
c) Promote the interaction
of different cultures through local, national and international art programs
and events, in cooperation with other organizations or individuals.
d) Improve contacts and
relationships between Chinese artists as well as between artists of other
ethnic backgrounds and art lovers at large.
e) Safeguard the interests
and rights of Chinese Canadian artists.
