Visual Arts Nova Scotia administers a number of programs and services for its membership, including:
Artists in Mind: Visual Arts Nova Scotia released the Artists In Mind: Report on Artists’ Mental Health and Wellbeing in Nova Scotia - a research initiative examining the mental health experiences of artists of multiple disciplines (including visual and media arts, craft, theatre, music, dance, writing, circus, and others) living within the province of Nova Scotia.
VANS in Residence: VANS in Residence is a program coordinated by Visual Arts Nova Scotia in partnership with host organizations (libraries, museums, community centres) across the province. This work will engage the participating artist and the community in exploring the chosen artist’s practice, and community based art. This project evolved out of VANS' artist in the schools program, PAINTS (Professional Artists in The Schools).
Mentorship Program: The VANS Mentorship Program is designed to support the individual artistic methods and professional ambitions of emerging artists in Nova Scotia by providing access to the skills and experience of selected mentors.
Workshops: VANS offers professional development workshops related to your career as an artist. Topics include: grant writing, proposals, taxes, marketing, writing for the arts, documenting your work, social media, website design, exhibition prep, and more.
PAINTS: The Professional Artists in the Schools (PAINTS) program enables schools throughout Nova Scotia to bring professional artists working both in visual arts and fine crafts into their classrooms. For detailed information visit visualarts.ns.ca/paints.
Visual Arts News: Visual Arts News is a magazine that explores contemporary art practices in Atlantic Canada, on the unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Inuit, Innu, and the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut. Published in Mi’kma’ki, Visual Arts News is a community-driven publication that seeks to enliven culture and keep record while supporting and celebrating the many overlapping communities in the Atlantic region, particularly those that have been historically ignored. We prioritize work that pushes back against white supremacy and colonialism because we are committed to supporting anti-oppression, anti-racism, Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, and sexual and gender diversity. We strive to be accessible, accountable, and responsive. Visual Arts News is an ongoing conversation inspired by the artistic vision of emerging and established artists and writers who are pushing the boundaries of art and culture in Atlantic Canada. The magazine, distributed nationally, is published twice a year with features, profiles, interviews, news and reviews primarily focusing on artists and the visual arts in Atlantic Canada. Membership in VANS includes a subscription to the magazine. For further information visit www.visualartsnews.ca.
Peer Application Review Groups: Visual Arts Nova Scotia facilitates a peer review process for members to strengthen their upcoming applications.
VANS Artist Emergency Fund: Assists artists in financial need arising from severe illness, an accident resulting in inability to work of help with studio replacement in case of a disaster, such as fire, where there is no insurance.
VANS also sends out a biweekly newsletter, shares info and opportunities on social media (Instagram, Facebook, X), has an online and in-person resource library, and advocates for artists.