$62,000 Awarded to Creators, Innovators and Leaders

Six artists and organizations are recipients of the 2018 Toronto Arts Foundation Awards

TORONTO, May 16, 2018 – Through their art, passion and commitment, they are making Toronto a better place. Six artists and organizations are the recipients of the 2018 Toronto Arts Foundation Awards, a celebration of the city’s vibrant arts sector.  The awards, totalling $62,000, were announced and presented at the 13th Annual Mayor’s Arts Lunch, attended by Mayor John Tory, The Honourable Mélanie Joly, and a broad cross section of arts and business leaders. It’s an event where the arts are centered at the heart of Toronto; a time to thank the creators, promoters and supporters who help to enrich our lives through arts and culture across the city.

2018 Toronto Arts Foundation Awards Recipients:

ARTS FOR YOUTH AWARD –  $20,000 prize, supported by Martha Burns, Margaret and Jim Fleck, Sandra and Jim Pitblado
RISE Edutainment – a youth-led grassroots performance arts and storytelling movement
In recognition of its role in creating a healthy and inspiring space for youth, and for challenging systemic barriers through innovative partnerships.

CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL LIFE AWARD –  $10,000 prize, supported by Arthur Dalfen
Ruth Howard – founding Artistic Director of Jumblies Theatre
In recognition of the impact, sustainability and legacy of her community-engaged arts practice.

EMERGING ARTIST AWARD –  $10,000 prize, supported by Susan Crocker and John Hunkin
Jivesh Parasram – multidisciplinary artist, researcher and facilitator
In recognition of his ability to create excellent work that is honest, diverse and collaborative.

ROY THOMSON HALL AWARD OF RECOGNITION –  $10,000 prize, supported by the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
The WholeNote – a guide to Southern Ontario’s musical activity
In recognition of  its role in promoting current music, emerging artists, and for being vital to the entire music community.

TORONTO ARTS AND BUSINESS AWARD –  Honourable Recognition, presented in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation, Business for the Arts, and Toronto Star
Active Green + Ross – Complete Tire and Auto Centre
In recognition of its first time contribution to the arts through its sponsorship of the HopeWorks Connection, covering transportation costs for performers and offering discounted and VIP services.
RBC
In recognition of its sustained contributions to the arts through its Emerging Artist Program, making RBC a vital contributor to the arts ecosystem.

Recipients were each presented with a commissioned commemorative plate designed by artist Syrus Marcus Ware. The plate celebrates activist culture and activist lives with the statement: Black lives they matter here.

“This year’s finalists and winners show an exceptional commitment not only to their art, but to their communities,” said Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Foundation.  “The arts are an essential part of all of our lives; the Toronto Arts Foundation Awards recognize and encourage extraordinary people who contribute to our remarkable city.”
 

Six award finalists received an additional $12,000 in prizes thanks to Diana Bennett and Spencer Lanthier, Arthur Dalfen and the Bulmash Siegel Fund.  For a full list of finalists, see www.torontoartsfoundation.org/awards

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 13 years to artists, arts organizations and arts volunteers on a rotating basis, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the creative vitality of Toronto.

For more information on the winners, see the attached backgrounder.
 

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ABOUT
Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that sparks creative connections, spotlights artistic excellence, and supports vibrant cultural growth throughout our diverse city, through private sector investment. 

CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information or to book an interview with the winners or Claire Hopkinson, please contact: Sarah Gladki, Communications Manager at sarah@torontoarts.org or 416-392-6802x217