Canadian War Memorials Fund National Historic Event

The Canadian War Memorials Fund was designated as a national historic event in 2014.

Historical importance: Canada’s first war art program.

Commemorative plaque: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario^{Footnote 1}

Canadian War Memorials Fund

Created in 1916 by Max Aitken (Lord Beaverbrook), the Fund was Canada’s first war art program, establishing a tradition of commissioning artists to depict Canada at war. Over 100 artists, one-third of them Canadian, produced nearly 1,000 artworks for the Fund during the First World War. This initiative ensured a permanent legacy of Canadian art and a visual record of the country’s war effort, helping to foster a sense of national identity. By drawing media attention, supporting artists, and creating connections within the art world, the Fund nurtured the development of Canadian art.

Related links

• National historic designations
• National historic persons
• National historic sites designations
• National historic events
• Submit a nomination
• Special exhibition: Outside the lines-Women artists and war (Canadian War Museum)
• This Week in History