Portia White Prize To Be Awarded

This year's recipient of the Portia White Prize will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 29, at a ceremony and reception at Province House. Premier John Hamm, Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Christopher King, chair of the Nova Scotia Arts Council, will be on hand to present this prestigious $25,000 prize.

"The Portia White Prize is just one of the many ways this province supports the arts," said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We support the arts because we appreciate the contribution they make to the vitality and the economy of Nova Scotia."

The Portia White Prize is awarded every year by the province to recognize artistic excellence and achievement by a Nova Scotia artist. Eligible artists have attained professional status and recognition as confirmed by a committee of the Nova Scotia Arts Council.

"This is always a very exciting time for the arts community," said Tim Leary, executive director of the Nova Scotia Arts Council. "All artists understand the significance and prestige of this prize."

The prize honours the memory and example of Portia White, a Nova Scotian artist who rose above adversity to achieve international acclaim as a classical singer on the great stages of Europe and North America. Her artistic achievements and dedication to teaching young artists stand as a model to all Nova Scotians and continue to foster pride in African Nova Scotian communities and in all Nova Scotian artists.

This year, for the first time, the $25,000 prize will be awarded in two components. The first part, $18,000, will be awarded directly to a primary recipient. That recipient will than name a protege, an emerging Nova Scotian artist or a Nova Scotia professional arts organization, to receive the secondary award of $7,000.

"This change in the way the prize is handed out is more beneficial to the arts community," said Mr. MacDonald. "I believe it means a lot to the recipient to acknowledge and honour a fellow artist or organization in this way."

The ceremony and reception takes place on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. in the Red Room, Province House.