Artists Recognized at Annual Awards Event

Nova Scotia's artistic excellence will be recognized again at the annual Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Awards celebration tonight, Oct. 25.

The theme of this year's event is Original Species (Art. Official. Selection.) and it will be held at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax. Along with the awards, 12 interactive art installations are on display for the public.

"As the new Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, I look forward to working with the artists and organizations in this sector to further develop arts and culture in this province," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. "This annual event celebrates the diversity and artistic excellence we have here and provides an opportunity for Nova Scotians to experience the work of its finest artists."

This year, the event will be co-hosted by Arts Nova Scotia. Formed in 2012, Arts Nova Scotia oversees provincial government funding that goes directly to artists.

"Arts Nova Scotia is delighted to co-host this event to celebrate this year's award winners," said Candace Stevenson, chair, Arts Nova Scotia. "They exemplify the depth of talent in Nova Scotia's cultural community."

Ron Bourgeois, chair, Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, said the fact the ceremony is now in its eighth year speaks to the importance and relevance of the awards.

"The awards also speak to the incredibly talented pool of great artists that we have here in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Bourgeois. "I am very thankful to everyone who has contributed, and continues to contribute, to this wonderful initiative."

Laurie Swim was chosen for the prestigious Portia White Prize, presented by the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. The prize is valued at $18,000. The award also lets the winner name an emerging Nova Scotia artist or cultural organization for the Protégé Prize worth $7,000. The Portia White Protégé winner will be announced during the ceremony.

The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award of $25,000 will also be awarded during the ceremony, finalists are:

• Jason Buxton, Chester, film
• Steve Higgins, Halifax, sculpture
• Anthony Black, Nick Bottomley, and Christian Barry, Halifax, theatre

Information on finalists is available at www.nsmasterworks.ca .

Other awards winners are:

• Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award, supporting the integration of arts and culture into community life: The Town of New Glasgow and the County of Pictou, $10,000
• Prix Grand-Pré Award, recognizing Nova Scotia's creative and interpretive artists reflecting Acadian cultural values: Jay LeBlanc, $2,000
• Established Artist Recognition Award, recognizing mid-career, established professional artists: Carole Langille, Christy Ann Conlin, Janice Jackson, Jeremy Webb, and Sara MacCulloch, $5,000 each.

An independent assessment panel of artists selected the Portia White Prize finalists from nominations. The finalists and winners for the Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award and the Established Artist Recognition Awards were selected by independent assessment committees. The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award is selected by an external jury.

Tickets for the event are still available. They are $25 and can be purchased online at www.creativenovascotia.com .