Finalists Announced for Richmond Arts Awards
/Eighteen finalists are vying in six categories for recognition in the fifth annual Richmond Arts Awards presented by Canadian Western Bank.
The annual awards, established to recognize the achievements and contributions to the arts by Richmond residents, artists, educators, organizers and business leaders, were developed in 2009 by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition and are presented with the support of Richmond News and Tempest Development Group.
This year, 94 nominations were reviewed by the selection committee to determine three finalists in six categories. The resulting list recognizes well-established institutions as well as rising stars in Richmond’s performing and visual arts scenes.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie will announce the winners at a special ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, at Richmond City Hall.
The Finalists:
Business and 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.
- Accent Inns, Accommodation sponsor for Gateway Theatre since 2008
- Michael Audain, catalyst for private development public art in Richmond
- RBC Royal Bank, sponsor of Richmond Art Gallery’s Family Sunday since 2003
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.
- Lynn Chen, co-founder of Cinevolution Media Arts Society
- Nes and Tonette Gatus, founders of Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC
- Loraine Wellman, vice-president of the Richmond Artists Guild
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, British Columbia’s third-largest producing theatre company
- Sara Holt, co-founder of DreamRider Productions
- Richmond Youth Concert Band, an auditioned ensemble of secondary students founded in 1978
Artistic Innovation
Recognizes an individual artist or organization that is producing visionary creative work, exhibiting innovation within their arts discipline and/or bringing a new cultural experience to the City of Richmond.
- Glen Andersen, artist, mosaic and mixed media
- Jeanette G. Lee, artist, sculptor
- Richmond in 3D, Richmond Multicultural Community Services’ Diversity, Dialogue and Drama outreach program
Arts Education
Recognizes an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching.
- BC Children’s Art and Literacy Centre, producer of the Children's Arts Festival
- Gateway Academy for the Performing Arts, professional instruction for children and youth
- Sze-Oi Lucia Lau, artist and founder of Dr. Art School of Expressive Arts Therapy
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.
- Andrew Cohen, performing artist and videographer
- Alexa Fraser, theatre artist
- Shirley Liu, visual artist and pianist
More information about the Richmond Arts Awards can be found at http://www.richmond.ca/culture/artists/art-awards.htm
