Artists for Conservation Festival

The Artists for Conservation Festival is a multi-day nature-themed arts and culture event that immerses visitors in a cohesive blend of visual art, musical and First Nations cultural performances, art workshops/activities, plein-air sketching, live music, art demos and films. This year, the festival returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver (operated by Vancouver Parks Board) as the primary programming base with additional programming at Maplewood Conservancy (operated by Wild Bird Trust of BC). Programming is free (Maplewood Flats) or free with standard admission (VanDusen Botanical Garden) with easy access from the street.

The AFC Festival features the world’s top conservation-themed art exhibit and sale supporting conservation. A rare opportunity for art collectors to buy original artwork by some of the world’s top nature artists while directly supporting conservation. 40% or more of proceeds from artwork sales benefits conservation and environmental education.

Preview Weekend | Sept 19-20, 2026*

Maplewood Flats | 2649 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1B1

• Festival Preview Weekend (11am-3pm)
• “Pacific Coast Portraits” Exhibit featuring local AFC Artists

A special Festival Preview Weekend returns to Maplewood Flats in collaboration with  Wild Bird Trust of BC. Featuring the opening  of the 7th annual “Pacific Coast Portraits” – a curated giclee exhibit by members of Artists for Conservation Group – remaining on exhibit through the end of September. Weekend program highlights include live music, painting demonstrations by leading local artists and aboriginal carvers, live birds of prey encounter and special cultural performance by members of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The art exhibit features some of the top nature and wildlife artists in the Lower Mainland and across BC with proceeds supporting the Wild Bird Trust of BC. All programming is free, with highlights that include. Surrounded by beautiful nature trails.

Pacific Coast Portraits Exhibit | Sept 19 – October 4, 2026*

Maplewood Flats | 2649 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1B1

• The “Pacific Coast Portraits” Exhibit and related activities featuring local AFC Artists will remain open for public viewing during Nature House is open through October 4, 2026. Visit the Wildbird Trust website for more information and to confirm hours.

*Dates and times subject to change and to be confirmed. Additional venues/activities may be added.