Finalists Announced for Richmond Arts Awards
March 30, 2009
Eighteen finalists are vying in six categories for recognition in the inaugural Richmond Arts Awards.
This is the first year of the annual awards, established to recognize the achievements and contributions to the arts by Richmond residents, artists, educators, organizers and business leaders. They were developed by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition and are sponsored by the Richmond News and Opacity Design Group Inc.
The program attracted 41 nominations among the six categories, recognizing both well-established institutions as well as rising stars in Richmond’s music, theatre, dance and literary arts scenes. Richmond Orchestra and Chorus and the Gateway Theatre are among the top represented with four and three nods respectively.
Richmond Orchestra and Chorus is shortlisted for Cultural Leadership while its sponsor, Shelley Morris Business Services, is recognized in the Business and the Arts category, its executive director, Janice Froese, and its past president, Ron White, for Volunteerism.
Gateway Theatre’s artistic director, Simon Johnston, is in the running for the Artistic Innovation award; long-time volunteer Seemah Aaron is shortlisted for Volunteerism; and the organization itself is being considered for Cultural Leadership.
Richmond’s love of music is also reflected in the list with the inclusion of six musicians and musical organizations.
The selection panel is comprised of Jane Fernyhough, Arts, Heritage and Culture Manager for the City of Richmond; Sal Ferreras, Dean at School of Music, Vancouver Community College and a percussionist; Nicki Roberts, Vice-President of New Image Studios and co-chair of Richmond Chamber of Commerce Business and Arts Committee; and Robin White, Richmond Arts Coalition board member.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie will announce the winners at a special ceremony on Friday, April 17, at City Hall.
Finalists for the First Annual Richmond Arts Awards:
Artistic Innovation
Recognizes an individual artist or organization that is producing visionary creative work, exhibiting innovation within in their arts discipline and/or bringing a new cultural experience to the City of Richmond.
- Margaret Dragu, film, video, choreographer, writer, actor and performance artist
- Simon Johnston, artistic and executive director of the Gateway Theatre since 2000
- Trevor Lai, artist, entrepreneur and creator of Ralphy series of children’s books
Arts Education
Recognizes an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching.
- Len Kay, elementary and secondary school music teacher and director of Richmond Youth Concert Bands 1977–1992
- Adrienne Moore, arts educator and visual artist
- The Richmond Academy of Dance, internationally recognized training program for youth in ballet and jazz
Business and the Arts
Recognizes a business that has made a significant contribution to the arts in Richmond by supporting a Richmond-based artist or arts organization through sponsorship, philanthropic and/or volunteer service.
- Am-Pri Construction Ltd., public art benefactor
- Coast Capital Savings, sponsor of community events including Winterfest Weekend and Steveston Salmon Festival
- Shelley Morris Business Services, supporter of Richmond Orchestra and Chorus since 1996
Cultural Leadership
Recognizes an arts professional or organization as a leader in their arts discipline, their organization stewardship and/or their contribution to Richmond’s cultural development.
- Gateway Theatre, Richmond’s premier live theatre producer since 1982
- Cherelle Jardine, singer/guitarist and organizer of Musical Expressions series
- Richmond Orchestra and Chorus Association, 25+ piece orchestra and 60+ member vocal ensemble founded in 1986
Volunteerism
Recognizes an individual that has made a significant contribution to the arts in Richmond by supporting a Richmond-based artist or arts organization through volunteer service.
- Seemah Aaron, Gateway Theatre volunteer
- Janice Froese, arts advocate and co-founder of Richmond Arts Coalition
- Ron White, past-president of the Richmond Orchestra and Chorus
Youth Arts
Recognizes a performing, literary or visual artist under the age of 25 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the Richmond arts community.
- Kenneth Lee, piano prodigy (age 19)
- Shanna Lynn, country music recording artist (age 21 )
- Kenny Wong, violin virtuoso (age 18)
