Creative excellence will be recognized at the Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala and Nova Scotians are urged to submit nominations for the province’s most prestigious arts prizes by June 15.
The awards gala, hosted by the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council on October 28 at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, is marking its sixth anniversary this year.
“Arts and culture contribute to vibrant communities across Nova Scotia and this is a chance to celebrate the impact of artists from one end of the province to the other,” said Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage David Wilson. “Recognizing their achievements supports the creative economy and helps make life better for families in every region.”
Nominations are being accepted for the following:
Portia White Prize: one of the province’s most significant cultural awards and one of Canada’s major art prizes. The recipient, an established artist, must have been born in Nova Scotia or a resident for the past four years. The winner receives $18,000 and names an emerging Nova Scotian artist or cultural organization to receive a protégé prize of $7,000.
Prix Grand Pré: recognizes creative or interpretive Acadian Nova Scotian artists whose work reflects Acadian cultural values while demonstrating excellence and originality. The nomination form for the $2,000 prize has been updated.
Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award: presented by the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council to a community that demonstrates the value it places on arts and culture. The $10,000 award is supported by the Nova Scotia Arts Endowment Fund.
Established Artists Recognition Award: presented by the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council to five artists considered to be in mid-career. Each receives $5,000. The prize is supported by a the Nova Scotia Arts Endowment Fund.
The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award will also be handed out at the gala. The total value has increased to $37,000, with four finalists receiving $3,000 each and the winner getting $25,000.
The Masterworks Arts Award recognizes an acclaimed work of art that is connected to Nova Scotia. Previous recipients include Acadian poet Georgette Leblanc, wood-sculptor John Macnab, poet Don Domanski and multimedia artist Glynis Humphrey. Nominations for the award have closed.
“Nova Scotia is enriched by the creativity of its artists,” said Joella Foulds, chair of the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council. “This is our opportunity to honour their accomplishments. Their example continues to inspire future creative excellence.”
Information and nomination forms are available at gov.ns.ca or by contacting Peter Kirby at 902-424-3422 or kirbypc@gov.ns.ca.
