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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.
Beyond emergency grants, we also provide in-kind space and infrastructure for grassroots and community care initiatives including:
This work strengthens our art ecosystem — not just individuals.
Photos by Sheng Ho and Que Frais
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
The Artist Care Fund was a real lifesaver for me. I was able to keep on-top of paying rent and medication in the slow season (I am a junior tattoo artist). Since I am chronically ill and technically run my own business it’s hard to keep on top of my expensive medical bills and a studio for working out of. Was a nice break in a time I’m usually extremely stressed out. Thanks for what y’all do !!!
The Vines Artist Care Fund supported me when it felt like I was on the verge of drowning in my finances (twice!). As a marginalized artist in this city who struggles to ask for help when in need, the Vines team made it so easy for me to reach out and receive support in a number of ways, not only financially. Because of this support I was able to take more care for myself without over-exerting in order to secure funds, causing more burnout. You never know what life will throw at you, but one thing I do know is that in terms of community, Vines has your back.
Thanks to the support of the Artist Care Fund I have been able to sustain my art practice as my main form of income. As a racialized immigrant who doesn’t have access to reliable employment, my art practice has been a way to sustain myself. The financial support Vines has given me has been used towards the purchase of tote bags that I can print and sell my art on (among other art materials), they have also supported me in buying essential things like groceries and healthcare. It’s always important to support artists by buying their art but when we don’t have groceries or have chronic injuries it becomes impossible to even create art and Vines has shown me compassion and support in a way that they prioritize my well-being before how much art I can produce. Without Vines support throughout last year I wouldn’t be able to afford my basic necessities, to the point that I doubted I could remain in Canada.
vines artist care fund was instrumental in ensuring i had food and housing security during a crisis so i was able to maintain & advance my artistic practice.
These funds kept my head above the water line. I was able to take care of my basic needs and also take care of my emotional and mental needs and paid for a few therapy sessions. These funds also helped pay for much needed transportation for me to stay connected to my community.