Conversations on Collecting: Nurturing the Artistic Talent of Tomorrow
Thu Jun 12, 2025 | 6–7:15 PM
From left to right, top to bottom: Inna O’Brian, Jane Irwin, Bruce Munro Wright and Shawn Hunt
As part of Griffin Art Projects’ 10th anniversary celebrations, a special Conversations on Collecting series will feature collectors in conversation on key topics in arts philanthropy: Nurturing the Artistic Talent of Tomorrow, Collecting to Build Community and Transformational Legacies. Each event will explore art world ecologies by bringing together influential artists, curators and collectors to discuss the lasting impact that collections have on individuals and institutions.
To kick off the series, Conversations on Collecting: Nurturing the Artistic Talent of Tomorrow will begin with a roundtable discussion featuring leading arts philanthropists and collectors Jane Irwin, Inna O’Brian and Bruce Munro Wright, as well as artist Shawn Hunt and more. The conversation will focus on investment in early career talent, the importance of mentorship and the role of financial support.
Tickets for this event are $15. Registration is required. Seating is first come, first served.
This series is a collaboration between Griffin Art Projects and the Contemporary Art Society of Vancouver (CASV) in partnership with the Vancouver Art Gallery. Find out more »
If cost is a barrier for you, please reach out to info@griffinartprojects.ca.
If you have any access requests for this event, please email info@griffinartprojects.ca or call 604.985.0136.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Shawn Hunt is a multidisciplinary Heiltsuk artist of French and Scottish descent. With a BFA from the University of British Columbia and a diploma from Capilano College, he apprenticed under his father Bradley Hunt, mastering traditional Heiltsuk carving and design, and later with Coast Salish painter Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. Known for innovative Neoformline art, Hunt blends traditional Northwest Coast formline with contemporary, surreal and sculptural elements. His work explores Heiltsuk mythology and cultural intersections, challenging perceptions through painting, sculpture and jewelry.
Jane Irwin is a collector, patron, infrastructure developer and community builder who has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of contemporary art in Canada. Irwin and her husband Ross Hill have followed and supported many artists, providing crucial assistance for their projects at key moments in their careers. Their relationships often unfold over decades resulting in the realization of ambitious projects that would never be possible without their dedication to the physical and social infrastructure of the Canadian art world. Along with her work on the Boards of the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Contemporary Art Society of Vancouver, Irwin and Hill have also transformed the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland in Vancouver into GreyChurch, an art space housing their multi-faceted collection.
Inna O’Brian is a key figure in Canadian arts and culture, whose influence as a collector, philanthropist and advocate has left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape. Her philanthropic efforts are channeled through the Michael and Inna O’Brian Family Foundation, which provide substantial financial support to numerous arts and educational organizations, such as Emily Carr University of Art + Design, the Museum of Anthropology, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Canada, the Audain Art Museum and many other organizations. The O’Brians’ legacy in Canadian arts and culture is profound and multi-faceted. As collectors, philanthropists, advocates and leaders, they have provided crucial support to institutions and individual artists alike, enabling the realization of numerous projects and initiatives. Their work has helped shape the direction of major cultural institutions, ensuring their relevance and vitality for future generations.
Bruce Munro Wright stands as a prominent figure in Vancouver’s cultural and philanthropic spheres, embodying the intersection of art collecting, civic engagement and charitable leadership. A retired lawyer by profession, Wright has dedicated his post-legal career to full-time charitable roles, significantly impacting various sectors including the arts, education and environmental conservation. His tenures as Chair of the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Opera Boards, as well as his current roles as Co-Chair of Capture Photography Festival and of many of the city’s gala fundraisers—including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera, Chor Leoni, Arts Umbrella Splash and others—underscore his commitment to Vancouver’s cultural institutions. Wright’s approach to art collecting transcends acquisition. He views himself as a “temporary custodian” of these works, emphasizing his commitment to philanthropy over profit. This perspective aligns with his broader philanthropic ethos, which prioritizes support for individuals and organizations over material attachment.
