Exhibitions
EMERGE
A decade of supporting emerging artists and arts professionals in the Fraser Valley
The Emerge program provides intergenerational training and mentorship for artists between the ages of 18-40. The program is designed to support studio and mural artists, curators, and designers in the early phases of their careers.
Two professional development programs exist under the umbrella of Emerge: Art on Demand and CITI/SEEN. Art on Demand is an exhibition series that brings together aspiring curators with emerging artists to develop four capsule exhibitions each year. Every summer, the CITI/SEEN program partners a mentor muralist with a team of artists to design and install a public mural in Abbotsford’s Historic Downtown district.
Participation in these two programs has provided Emerge alumni with concrete skill- and portfolio-building experiences that lead to future grant, residency, and exhibition opportunities. Over the past decade, The Reach has fostered the exceptional creative talent of more than 80 participants.
In 2024, The Reach celebrates the 10 years of building sectoral sustainability in the Fraser Valley and supporting growth and artistic excellence in regional artists and arts professionals. Celebrate with us as we launch a 10th Anniversary exhibition and much more!
The program is generously sponsored by the RBC Emerging Artists Project Grant.
Emerge Exhibitons & Programs
Art on Demand
Art on Demand is an exhibition series presenting the work of emerging artists curated by emerging curators. This initiative is often participants’ first opportunity to display their artwork in a professional public gallery.
The series is open to emerging professionals between the ages of 18 and 40. Priority is given to applicants who live in or have a connection to the Fraser Valley.
Participating artists and curators receive an honorarium for their work.
CITI/SEEN
CITI/SEEN is the public art component of the Emerge program.
Each year a team of young, emerging artists are selected to work under the mentorship of an established mural artist to develop a mural design, pitch their design to a team of stakeholders, and complete all the necessary work and launch the mural to the public.
All participating artists are paid for their work.
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