Inspiring Torontonians are recipients of Toronto Arts Foundation Awards

They are the faces of Toronto, in all its brilliance, diversity and creative spirit.

Five extraordinary artists and organizations were announced today as the 2017 recipients of the Toronto Arts Foundation Awards.   Mayor John Tory, joined by a broad cross section of arts and business leaders, paid tribute to Toronto’s vibrant arts sector at the 12th Annual Mayor’s Arts Lunch presented by CIBC at the Arcadian Court.

Award recipients:

ARTS FOR YOUTH AWARD:
($20,000 prize, supported by Martha Burns, Margaret and Jim Fleck, Sandra and Jim Pitblado, and Diana Bennett and Spencer Lanthier)
The Artists Mentoring Youth Project (The AMY Project) - performing arts training program serving young women and non-binary youth.

EMERGING ARTIST AWARD:
($10,000 prize, supported by Susan Crocker and John Hunkin, and the Bulmash-Siegel Fund)
Anique Jordan - multi-disciplinary artist, award-winning writer, scholar and social-entrepreneur 

THE MURIEL SHERRIN AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE: 
($10,000 prize)
Yvonne Ng - choreographer and dancer 

MARGO BINDHARDT AND RITA DAVIES AWARD FOR CULTURAL LEADERSHIP:
($10,000 prize, supported in part by John and Raphaela Dunlap)
Jacoba Knaapen - cultural leader and administrator 

TORONTO ARTS AND BUSINESS AWARD:
(Presented in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation, Business for the Arts, and Toronto Star)
Aviv Restaurant – supporter of Tarragon Theatre

Recipients were each presented with a commemorative plate designed by artist Kent Monkman.  It draws upon the themes of his extraordinary project “Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience”, an exhibition commissioned by the Art Museum, University of Toronto, earlier this year. The exhibition was the talk of the Toronto art scene, and will be traveling across the country over the next three years.
“We’re inspired by the talent and commitment of all the nominees,” said Toronto Arts Foundation Director & CEO Claire Hopkinson.  “The Toronto Arts Foundation Awards truly recognize the spirit of our remarkable city.”
Seven award finalists received an additional $12,000 in prizes at the event.  For a full list of finalists, see www.torontoartsfoundation.org/awards/awards-programs.
Toronto Arts Foundation gratefully acknowledges the generosity of its supporters, who have provided over 2,000 complimentary tickets to the Mayor’s Arts Lunch over the last 12 years to artists, arts organizations and arts volunteers, on a rotating basis, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the creative vitality of Toronto.

 

Presenting Sponsor: CIBC
Creative City Circle: Canadian Museum of History, Carpenters Union Local 27, Centennial College, City of Toronto, Daniels Corporation, Great-West Life, Humber College, OCAD University, Ontario Media Development Corporation, Sorbara Group, TAS
Media Partners: CBC, FleishmanHillard, NOW, Pattison Outdoor Advertising, Toronto Life, Toronto Star, The Walrus
Research Partner: Leger
Finalist Reception Venue Sponsor: The Spoke Club
Official Wine Sponsor: Jackson-Triggs
Flower Sponsor: Quince Flowers
Emerging Artist Retreat Sponsor: Valleyview Artist Retreat

 

For more information on the winners, visit our Signature Awards page. 

News media contact:  Sean Mallen, cell: 416-602-9772 sean@seanmallencommunications.com