Free art exhibit comes to Vancouver this month as part of awards celebration

One of the most anticipated events in Vancouver’s art calendar is coming up fast, and there’s still time for you to take part in all of the festivities.

The 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Dinner & Award Presentation is happening on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Roundhouse Community Centre.

Those wanting a look at the work by all of the 2025 recipients across both programs can check out the free public exhibition at the Roundhouse from Tuesday, Nov. 18 to Tuesday, Nov. 25.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BC Achievement Foundation (@bcachievement)

You might also like:
• More than 20 free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this November
• Full Highway 1 closure could lead to major delays for Vancouver drivers this weekend
• Popular Vancouver indoor pool forced to close until further notice

“The 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art recognizes artists whose work reflects deep cultural roots and a powerful creative voice,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, in a statement.

“This year’s recipients carry forward tradition while shaping new ways of seeing, reminding us of the strength, courage, and vitality of First Nations art today.”

The 19th annual Polygon Award in First Nations Art program recognizes First Nations artists from British Columbia for excellence in traditional, contemporary, or media art.

Artists from BC First Nations who have shown a commitment to their art, accumulated a body of work, and been recognized in their communities for their talents were encouraged to apply.

Gordon Dick/BC Achievement Foundation

The 2025 Polygon Award in First Nations Art recipients are:

• Rebecca Baker-Grenier, Kwakiutl, Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw, Chilliwack
• Gordon Dick, Tseshaht, Port Alberni

Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist:

• Kari Morgan, Nisga’a, Terrace

Award of Distinction:

• Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun Cowichan (Hul’q’umi’num Coast Salish) and Okanagan (Syilx), Vancouver

The 2025 recipients are chosen by an independent jury of past award recipients, as well as First Nations artists acclaimed for their artistic accomplishments.

They include Lisa Hageman Yahgulanaas (Haida), Thomas Cannell (Musqueam), James Harry (Squamish), Connie Watts (Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan, Kwakwaka’wakw) and Brenda Crabtree, OBC (Spuzzum Band, Nlaka’pamux, Sto:lo).

Gwiis Gaak feather cloak and beadwork by Rebecca Baker-Grenier

The BC Achievement Foundation is hosting a ticketed award ceremony and dinner on Nov. 19 to celebrate all of the recipients.

The event will include a delicious dinner, a screening of short films to honour each artist, and a live presentation of the awards. Tickets to the event are on sale now.

Polygon Award in First Nations Art – Free Public Exhibition

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18 to Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Cost: Free