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2012 Winnipeg Arts Council Awards Winners Announced

WINNIPEG ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE 2012 ARTS AWARDS RECOGNIZING PROMISE, EXCELLENCE, CREATIVITY AND SUPPORT OF THE ARTS IN WINNIPEG

The Annual Winnipeg Arts Council Awards were presented in front of a full house at the Mayor's Luncheon for the Arts on Friday, June 15, 2012 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 sixth year, the 2012 Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts had one of the best turn-outs to date with over 460 in attendance. Members of the community including individual artists, arts organizations, local businesses and many City Councillors joined Mayor Katz and the Winnipeg Arts Council to celebrate the arts and distribute the Awards.

Five awards were presented to the following recipients:

RBC On the Rise  
The RBC 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.
    WINNER: Leslie Supnet
Nominated by MAWA & Negative Space
Leslie Supnet’s distinctive films have screened at more than 100 major festivals globally, and her poignant illustrations have appeared in publications nationally. She has shown exceptional commitment to this community by actively teaching, volunteering and serving on boards and committees.
This award is sponsored by the RBC Emerging Artists Project

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: Michael Dumontier
Nominated by Plug In ICA
Michael Dumontier, a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Royal Art Lodge, is the quintessential Winnipeg artist—humble, industrious, inventive, idiosyncratic, and forever collaborating with other artists.

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: Larry Desrochers
Nominated by Dave Barber
For his outstanding work in pioneering the creation of the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, and his exceptional efforts in the creative renewal of two important Winnipeg organizations.

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 Michael Dumontier.
    WINNER: McNally Robinson Booksellers
Nominated by the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival
McNally Robinson Booksellers, promoter of the arts in Manitoba for over 30 years, has invested in initiatives of enormous benefit to our cultural community. This Winnipeg institution is an Arts Champion.

Making a Difference Award- Outstanding Volunteer
The Making a Difference Award for an Outstanding Volunteer honours an individual who has demonstrated an excep¬tional commitment to volunteerism within the Winnipeg arts community. The award will be $1,000.00 cash donation on behalf of the winner to the Winnipeg arts organization of his or her choice.
WINNER:  José Koes
Nominated by the Winnipeg Art Gallery
A dedicated and exceptional member of the Volunteer Associates of The Winnipeg Art Gallery, José Koes has provided exemplary service to the greater benefit of the WAG for 31 remarkable years.
 
The Luncheon was hosted by the sketch comedy troupe, Hot Thespian Action, who were recently nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award for the second time. The patrons were also entertained by The Keith Price Trio. Rick Chafe, a Winnipeg playwright and past member of the Winnipeg Arts Council Board addressed the crowd.
 

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