ArtsBC & ArtStarts in Schools Announce 2013 BC Arts Champion Winners

A call for nominations was issued early this year by ArtsBC and ArtStarts in Schools for individuals who have made significant contributions to arts and culture in BC. Nominations were sought for BC Arts Champions in the categories of artist, administrator and youth, recognizing and awarding these champions for their dedication and work towards arts and culture.

After careful review and consideration of nominations for BC Arts Champions across BC, three winners have been chosen!

The 2013 winners are:

Artist—Dianna David

Dianna David is a former Mechanical Engineer who abandoned a life of conformity to live out her passions as an interdisciplinary artist, entertainer and arts advocate. David is a Canadian-born Filipino who danced in the Philippines Barangay Arts Society in Edmonton for 16 years, and is known for her incredible ability to blend urban dance, circus arts, physical theatre, shadow play and multimedia in all her work.

David pushes artistic boundaries through creative innovations and her ability to challenge audiences of all ages with thought-provoking messages. Additionally, she is an advocate for arts in education and has held a number of Artist in Residencies throughout the Lower Mainland teaching creative expression, dance and drama.

Administrator—Bernice Heinzelman

Bernice Heinzelman is a retired teacher and principal who devotes her time and administrative talents to community service. Heinzelman serves at all levels from preparing and serving meals, to meeting and challenging local, provincial and federal politicians to be aware of and support the arts.

Heinzelman volunteers at the Shiraoi Twinning Society, Friends of the Library, Community Futures and the Quesnel Theatre Action Society. She is also a committee member of the City’s Sustainability Plan to ensure arts are part of the community’s future.

Heinzelmam is currently a director of the Quesnel and District Community Arts Council in which she writes grants, encourages groups to work together to provide quality events and mentors the council’s president to ensure sustainability.

Youth—Dianne Ocampo

Diane Ocampo is an 18-year-old musician who inspires the music community by discovering, motivating and networking with local musicians to increase their public profile. Ocampo also writes for, performs with and manages her own rock band, Shadows. Shadows has entered several “battle of the band” competitions and placed in several competitions including BC’s Best Teen Band.

Ocampo immerses herself in music and the business behind it and is currently attending Simon Fraser University as a communications major to incorporate her education into the music scene.

These outstanding BC Arts Champions will be recognized on April 22 at the BC Arts and Culture Week kickoff, and will be presented with original artwork commissioned by BC artists Sonny Assu, Karen Hibbard and Eli Schreyer Allen.

The kickoff is open to the public:

April 22, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

BC Arts and Culture Week is presented through ArtsBC and ArtStarts in Schools, with the support of the Province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council.