The Portfolio Prize (85-5 Visual Arts Foundation) was founded in 2000 by five artist friends, who graduated from Emily Carr University in 1985, namely, Douglas Coupland, Graham Gillmore, Angela Grossmann, Attila Richard Lukacs, and Derek Root. Artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun joined the board in 2015. The foundation and its objective “Artists for Artists” was inspired by friend and mentor Gordon Smith, who is celebrated for his many generous contributions to the art community.

Conceived by Artists for Artists, the Portfolio Prize aims to encourage the development of young artists through early career support. For artist founders, supporting the future generations of artists and their practices is essential to the continued growth of the region's arts community at large.

Pre-eminent artist Gordon Smith is the Honorary Chair of the Foundation.

For information about the foundation and its mandate please contact :
portfolioprize@gmail.com