Canadian War Memorials Fund National Historic Event
© Canadian Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / 3217366
The Canadian War Memorials Fund was designated a national historic event in 2014.
Historical importance: Canada’s first war art program.
Commemorative plaque: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, OntarioFootnote 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.
The National Program of Historical Commemoration relies on the participation of Canadians in the identification of places, events and persons of national historic significance. Any member of the public can nominate a topic for consideration by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
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