GoFundMe Launched for Olivia Quan Memorial Scholarship

The Vancouver audio scene rising star died suddenly at age 25

BY Megan LaPierrePublished Jul 25, 2022

Family, friends and colleagues of late Vancouver-based audio engineer Olivia Quan have launched a crowdfunding effort to create a memorial scholarship in her name.

After experiencing a brain bleed, 25-year-old Quan died on July 1 — mere weeks after she attended this year's JUNO Awards with three projects nominated.

To honour her work and inspire future generations to emulate her dedication to the craft, Quan's loved ones have organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to create a scholarship fund in her memory. The proposed Olivia Quan Award for Audio Excellence would be a five-year program supporting up-and-coming BC audio aficionados aged 25 and under, with extra consideration given to candidates who are women or are from other under-represented groups in the industry.

The fundraisers are seeking to raise a minimum of $25,000 for a five-year program, with each year's recipient being awarded $5,000 put towards their audio education, including equipment, travel for industry events and living expenses. Additionally, they're hoping for donations to reach $75,000, which would be invested to allow the award to continue on for approximately 20 years.

Music BC is already on board to handle the administration of the application process, which they're looking to begin this fall. The organization would condense the applicant pool to 10 finalists, with the ultimate recipient being chosen by a rotating roster of Quan's community members.

As of press time, the crowdfunding campaign has raised just shy of $11,000. You can find the link to donate here.

Freshly out of audio school, Quan began training with Vancouver's Monarch Studios in 2016. She went on to become one of the city's most in-demand engineers, working with City and Colour, Hey Ocean!, Mathew V, Leisure Club, David Ward, Desirée Dawson, Amanda Sum, Luca Fogale, Sam Lynch and more.

An event to remember Quan will be held at Wise Hall in Vancouver this Sunday (July 31).
 
 

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