In 1987, renowned artist Jack Shadbolt and his wife, Doris, a respected art curator and writer, established a foundation to recognize the lasting impact of artists in British Columbia. Jack, whose own distinguished career earned him accolades such as the Guggenheim Award and the Order of Canada, deeply understood the importance of supporting artistic growth. Doris, with her decades of experience at the Vancouver Art Gallery, shared this commitment to fostering a thriving arts community. Since the first VIVA Awards in 1988, more than 60 recipients have received funding to further their careers and artistic practice. In 2013, the biannual Alvin Balkind Curator’s Prize was established to recognize excellence in the field of curating. Today, the Shadbolt Foundation continues their legacy by presenting the VIVA Awards and Balkind Prize on an annual and biannual basis.