Mayor Sam Katz presented the Winnipeg Arts Council Arts Awards in front of a full house at the Mayor's Luncheon for the Arts, Friday, June 18, 2010 at the Fairmont Winnipeg. The purpose of this annual celebration is to recognize and promote the arts, artists and partnerships that make Winnipeg a centre for cultural achievement.
Now in its fourth year, the Luncheon also celebrated Winnipeg as the Cultural Capital of Canada 2010, a prestigious designation accompanied by a phenomenal program that the Winnipeg Arts Council is presenting on behalf of the City of Winnipeg.
“All the outstanding artists who were nominated for the Winnipeg Arts Council Awards make our city worthy of such an honour,” according to Carol Phillips, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Arts Council. “It is a great pleasure to celebrate the arts in our city today.”
The four award categories and the 2010 winners are:
On the Rise
The On the Rise Award recognizes the demonstrated promise of an emerging professional artist in any discipline. The award is a cash prize of $2,500.00.
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WINNER: Mélanie Rocan
Nominated by the Winnipeg Art Gallery
Mélanie Rocan has garnered significant national attention for her painting practice, which brings a personal perspective to difficult issues while exploring relationships between the physical and the spiritual.
Making a Mark
The Making a Mark Award applauds an established professional artist, in any discipline, who is receiving critical recognition for excellence in their art practice in Winnipeg and beyond. The award is a cash prize of $2,500.00.
WINNER: Yuri Klaz
Nominated by First Mennonite Church Choir, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and Winnipeg Singers
Yuri Klaz is the conductor of the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, Winnipeg Singers, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and First Mennonite Church Choir. He has made a major contribution to these organizations, the Winnipeg choral community and Canadian choral music.
Making a Difference
The Making a Difference Award celebrates the contribution of an artist or arts administrator to the growth and development of the arts in Winnipeg. The award is a cash prize of $2,500.00.
WINNER: Ava Kobrinsky and Mitch Podolak
Nominated by Vivian Gosselin, Ali Hancharyk, Josey Krahn and Tim Osmond
This extraordinary couple’s contribution to the arts in Winnipeg started in 1974 with the creation of the Winnipeg Centennial Folk Festival—and that was only the beginning!
Arts Champion
The Arts Champion Award honours an individual or business patron that has demonstrated sustained support to the arts in Winnipeg. The award is a unique work by a Winnipeg artist, this year by Scott Stephens.
WINNER: The Winnipeg Foundation
Nominated by the Winnipeg Folk Festival
The Winnipeg Foundation has been a true champion in our community, providing more than $200 million for hundreds of projects, helping organizations build sustainable endowment funds, and inspiring philanthropy and volunteerism in our community.
The Mayor's Luncheon for the Arts was attended by artists, patrons of the arts, corporate supporters and politicians this year, marking one of the largest turn outs for the event to date. The Luncheon was hosted by the Winnipeg Cultural Capital of Canada Project Manager Dominic Lloyd and Marketing and Communications Coordinator Alix Sobler. The patrons were entertained by the all female chorus Fu Fu Chi Chi, and Secondhandpants, a musical duo who take requests through their “Science-Folktion Jukebox Sideshow”.
The Winnipeg Arts Council also took this opportunity to introduce Winnipeg's newly appointed Arts Ambassadors. Find out more about them on the Winnipeg's Arts Ambassador's page.
Gallery
All photos are taken by Robert Barrow
