Winner of the Volunteerism in the Arts Awards: Issaku Inami

Issaku Inami, a dedicated and outstanding volunteer in the arts and culture sector, received the Volunteerism in the Arts Award last weekend, at the launch of Culture Days. 

Inami serves as the vice-president on the board of Pride in Art Society, which produces the annual Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver and also runs SUM gallery, which produces 2SLGBTQIA+ arts programming throughout the year.

Inami also serves on the board of directors for Zee Zee Theatre and Tomoe Arts and has an extensive history as a volunteer at the Museum of Anthropology (University of British Columbia), Pacific Spirit Park Society (where he also served as a board member), and Camosun Bog Restoration Group.

Inami has proposed that the $500 prize money be put towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training for both Pride in Art staff and board.

We warmly congratulate the winner, as well as all of the nominees, on their dedication to thoughtfulness, generosity and community.