Finalists Named for Provincial Arts Prizes
As Nova Scotians prepare to celebrate the contributions of arts and culture at the sixth Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala, finalists for three arts prizes were announced today, Oct. 20.
The prizes will be awarded at the gala, presented by the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, on Oct. 28 at the Cunard Centre in Halifax. Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.creativenovascotia.com.
"Nova Scotia has a proud tradition of creative excellence," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson. "This year's finalists continue that tradition and are helping to make life better for families in communities throughout the province."
An independent panel of artists reviewed nominations for the Portia White Prize and selected the finalists. The Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award and the Established Artists Recognition Award finalists were selected by separate independent committees.
Three distinguished artists have been shortlisted for the prestigious $25,000 Portia White Prize:
- Thom Fitzgerald of Halifax, an award-winning filmmaker who has made major contributions to media and performing arts.
- Gerald Gloade of Millbrook First Nation, an accomplished Mi'kmaw artist, illustrator, carver and educator.
- James MacSwain of Halifax, a photographer, collage artist and filmmaker.
The winner of the Portia White Prize, presented by the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, receives $18,000 and is asked to name a Nova Scotian artist or cultural organization to receive a $7,000 Protégé Prize.
Three communities are finalists for the Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award, presented by the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council. Antigonish, Chéticamp and Christmas Island are competing for the $10,000 award that seeks to support the integration of arts and culture into community life.
Ten artists have been selected as finalists for the Established Artist Recognition Awards, also presented by the council, with the winners receiving $5,000 each. They are:
- Simon Docking, classical pianist
- Sue Goyette, poet and novelist
- Sheilagh Hunt, celebrated dance choreographer
- Shandi Mitchell, author and filmmaker
- Sara MacCulloch, visual artist
- Scott Macmillan, award-winning composer and performer
- Ivan Murphy, visual artist and educator
- Dan O'Neill, printmaker, visual artist and educator
- Susan Tooke, visual artist and children's book illustrator
- Dinuk Wijeratne, composer, pianist and conductor
The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award will also be announced at the gala. Finalists for that prize were announced on Sept. 26. More information on those finalists is available at www.nsmasterworks.ca.