Artists who represent the finest talent in Vancouver’s arts and culture community will be honoured for their achievements with the 2015 Mayor’s Arts Awards at a special ceremony on November 12 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre.
The awards celebrate the contributions of honourees and emerging artists in the categories of studio and performing arts, support of the arts, and lifetime achievement.
“Vancouver City Council supports a diverse and thriving cultural community that is vital to a vibrant, healthy city. The 2015 Mayor’s Arts Awards honourees and emerging artists represent the depth and diversity of talent that we have in this city,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “On behalf of my colleagues on Vancouver City Council, I extend my congratulations to these extraordinary artists, who make Vancouver such an inspiring and creative city.”
Award recipients are selected for their significant contributions to their respective disciplines, as well as for leadership, innovation, and support for Vancouver's cultural community over the course of their careers. Each honouree in the studio and performing arts categories is invited to select an emerging artist in their discipline who demonstrates the promise of the next generation.
The 2015 Mayor’s Arts Awards honourees (emerging artists indicated in parentheses) are:
Studio Arts:
· Debra Sloan (Sam Knopp) for craft and design
· Alice Spurrell (Jennifer Peters) for culinary arts
· Cindy Mochizuki (Amanda Strong) for film and new media
· Kate Braid (Rob Taylor) for literary arts
· Brian Jungen (Ron Tran) for visual arts
· Liz Magor (Devon Knowles) for public art
· Renae Morriseau (Lorelei Williams) for community engaged art
Performing Arts:
· Crystal Pite (Lesley Telford) for dance
· Veda Hille (Adrian Teacher) for music
· Margo Kane (Tai Amy Grauman) for theatre
Support of the Arts:
· Leonard Schein for philanthropy
· Audrey Zaharichuk for volunteerism
· Goldcorp for business support
· Jane Westheuser for arts board member of the year
Lifetime Achievement:
· Joy Coghill, C.M.
More information on the honourees and emerging artists is available at vancouver.ca/artsawards.
The winner of the 2015 City of Vancouver Book Award will be announced at the Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony. The evening will also recognize the City’s Poet Laureate, Artist Live-Work Studio Award recipients, and the more than 50 community members who contributed to the jury process.
The honourees and emerging artists, lifetime achievement recipient and Book Award winner each receive a $3,000 cash prize. Those recognized in the support of the arts categories receive a non-cash prize.
The Mayor’s Arts Awards were established in 2006 to recognize local artists and their contributions to the city. Since 1989, the City of Vancouver Book Award has been awarded annually to recognize authors whose works demonstrate excellence and contribute to an appreciation and understanding of Vancouver’s history, unique character, or achievements of its residents.
Report courtesy City of Vancouver.