Join Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Calgary’s arts and business leaders at the 2023 Celebration for the Arts.

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons

Pre-show Gathering

6:30pm | Jack Singer Lobby

Performance & Awards Presentation

7:30pm | Jack Singer Concert Hall

After-Party

9:15pm | Jack Singer Lobby

Join Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Calgary’s arts and business leaders at the 2023 Celebration for the Arts.

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023
Jack Singer Concert Hall,
Arts Commons

Pre-show Gathering

6:30pm | Jack Singer Lobby

Performance & Awards Presentation

7:30pm | Jack Singer Concert Hall

After-Party

9:15pm | Jack Singer Lobby

Message from the Mayor

Welcome to the Mayor’s Celebration for the Arts! Each year, this event showcases the incredible talent that is alive and well in our city.

A thriving arts community is the very reflection of our individual and collective hearts and souls. It demonstrates to each other and to the world the best that we have to offer. The passion and perseverance of our artists and our arts organizations are putting Calgary on the national and international stage. You are helping us tell the true Calgary story; the story of a city that is diverse, inclusive, welcoming, and leading the world in terms of its creative offerings. 

 

My love and thanks to all of those who made this evening possible and congratulations to this year’s nominees and winners. And, to all of you who dare to show up as you are and bravely offer your art to the world, please know, you are what makes Calgary great. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Jyoti Gondek

Mayor of Calgary

Message from Patti Pon & Chima Nkemdirim

Welcome to the Celebration for the Arts hosted by Mayor Gondek. We believe artists are truth-tellers, meaning-makers, and architects of joy. Tonight, we celebrate artists and their many contributions to our lives.

We appreciate everyone who is performing, receiving an award or attending tonight’s celebration. We extend our gratitude to The Office of the Mayor, The City of Calgary, and all our award benefactors, event partners, and sponsors who have made this evening possible. Our gratitude goes out to all of you! 

 

Calgary Arts Development’s new strategic framework is clear about what we believe this moment is asking of us – to support and nurture diverse art and artist-led city building to foster not only a resilient and sustainable arts ecosystem but to achieve a truly equitable, inclusive and accessible city where everyone belongs.  

 

Tonight, not only on the stage abut also in the audience, are hundreds of amazing artists who live and work here and make our city better every day. We celebrate you all! 

Patti Pon
President and CEO
Calgary Arts Development

Chima Nkemdirim
Board Chair
Calgary Arts Development

Photo by Motif Photography
MEET TONIGHT’S EMCEE

In January 1999, Wakefield Brewster stepped onto his first stage as a Poet and Spoken Word Artist. Today, he is known as one of Canada’s most powerful Professional Performance Poets. 

A BlackMan raised in Toronto by parents from Barbados, he has resided in Calgary since 2006, and it is in the New West where Wakefield has been able to truly flourish as a Poet and as a Person. 

 

Throughout his career, Wakefield has been published in several Anthologies including T-Dot Griots (Trafford on Demand Publishing, 2004), The Great Black North (Frontenac House, 2013), The Calgary Project (Frontenac House, 2014), and The Black Prairie Archives: An Anthology (Wilfred Laurier University Press, 2019). Since moving to Calgary, he has produced two Professional Recordings: Wakefield Brewster, da lyrical pitbull (Kill Whitey Records, 2007) and east2west (Spanish Fly Music, 2008).  

 

Wakefield has many accolades and roles in our community including being Calgary’s first City Slam Poetry Champion (2006), Calgary’s only three-time Calgary Poetry Slam Champion & Team Captain (2006, 2008, 2009); inaugural Poet Of Honour, People’s Poetry Festival (2011); inaugural Resident Poet & Spoken Word Artist of The Grand Theatre (2019-2022); inaugural TD ARTIST INCUBATOR at Arts Commons, Poet-In-Residence (2021-2022); and Peter Gzowski Foundation For Literacy Calgary Poet Laureate (2021). Wakefield is also a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of WakeFull Wellness Registered Massage Therapy & HealingSpace; and an advocate for Literacy and The Humanities; Healing Arts & Alternative Medicine; Alcoholism & Addictions; Mental Wellness & Recovery.  

 

In 2021, Wakefield joined The League of Canadian Poets in order to become a more integral part of Canada’s Literary scene, while representing the standards of Diversity and Representation. In 2023, he became the TD INCUBATOR Fellow for the 2023-2024 Season, mentoring over 30 up-and-coming Calgary Artists from all disciplines. Also in 2023, Frontenac House Publishing House signed Wakefield on to release his very first full-length Poetry Manuscript to be release in April 2024 during National Poetry Month: WakeWord. 

 

After all that the stage has given Wakefield, he has discovered other ways that he may repay his beloved Poetry and Arts Communities, by performing silently, backstage for them, providing productions. 

 

He accomplishes this mission as a Connector, Creator, Curator, and Collaborator. 

 

Wakefield finds that underneath the many hats and the many hoodies he wears, resides a most wonderful life.  

 

He would like to sincerely Thank You All, for being a part of it. 

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Mingling and networking
in the Jack Singer Lobby

With performances by:

The DOOR(S) by Big Art

Participatory Art Project led by Paula Timm

Fanfares performed by Foothills Brass

The DOOR(S) by Big Art

Participatory Art Project led by Paula Timm

Fanfares performed by Foothills Brass

We are built for one purpose – make more public art. We design, build and promote interactive and immersive works of wonder so we can inspire the next. From fire-shooting portals to code-talking cubes from another dimension, we live for interactive and immersive art installations.  

 

Advancements in technology have allowed us to realize creative dreams we never thought possible, and in that spirit, we embrace the technology of yesterday, today, and tomorrow to create large-scale, tour-ready, turnkey installations and experiences.We are passionate about what we do and are committed to delivering inspiring encounters. Whether you choose something from our current catalogue, or connect with us for a custom commission, we pride ourselves on delivering creative, robust, safe, and reliable installations and experiences. 

 

The DOOR(S) by Big Art

 

What does a door mean to you? Does it evoke feelings of opportunity or anxiety? How did a door become such a metaphor for success, failure, opportunity, family, home, change, transition, and so many other moments of emotional connection? This project explores the greater meaning of a door, and its ability to change our path in life when we have the courage to open it. After all, it’s just a door.  

   

The DOOR is a BIG ART classic and fan- favourite, regardless of age. BUT we always like to bring it back in a new configuration, to keep everyone guessing. Each door contains a set of animations in a particular theme, direct from the creative minds of our animators. No two doors are ever the same with over 200 unique videos, so they’ll need to open them all to find out what…is where. Additionally, the exteriors can be adorned with items that give clues to what lies behind.  

Paula Timm is a visual artist, creative facilitator and community builder with a passion for sharing the connection between wellness and creative expression.  

 

Paula blends her love of creativity, writing, and creating fine art. She facilitates workshops, collaborative murals and team building events that promote a holistic approach to creativity- at any age or experience.  

 

paulatimm.com 

Founded in 1981 in Calgary, Foothills Brass presents up to 100 events each year in concert halls, universities, classrooms and cathedrals. The motto is SERIOUS FUN!  

 

Foothills Brass has toured to all provinces and the territories, through most of the USA, and overseas. Their repertoire ranges from Renaissance to ragtime, Bach to the Beatles, with a healthy dose of jazz, Dixieland, blues and even country classics! As well as theatre concerts and a wide variety of special events, the quintet performs educational concerts in schools, with programs for all grades; to date they have played for more than one million students. Foothills Brass has produced six albums available online for purchase or streaming.  

7:30-9:15 p.m.

Onstage celebration

Featuring:

The Celebration House Band

Wakefield Brewster, emcee

Wild Mint Arts with Welcome to Treaty 7 by Blackfoot Elder Saa’kokoto

Patti Pon, President & CEO, Calgary Arts Development

Madhuban Performing Arts

Super Choir

Simon Mallett, Executive Director, Rozsa Foundation

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Video Segment #1

Leah Kind and Wakefield Brewster

Sarah Garton Stanley, Vice President Programming, Arts Commons

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Video Segment #2

Reuben & the Dark with the Bullhorn Singers

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Video Segment #3

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Recipients Bow and Photo

Mayor Gondek

The Heebee-jeebees

Klave Latin Band with Calgary Latin Dancers

The Celebration House Band

Wakefield Brewster, emcee

Wild Mint Arts with Welcome to Treaty 7 by Blackfoot Elder Saa’kokoto

Patti Pon, President & CEO, Calgary Arts Development

Madhuban Performing Arts

Super Choir

Simon Mallett, Executive Director, Rozsa Foundation

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Video Segment #1

Leah Kind and Wakefield Brewster

Sarah Garton Stanley, Vice President Programming, Arts Commons

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Video Segment #2

Reuben & the Dark with the Bullhorn Singers

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Video Segment #3

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards Recipients Bow and Photo

Mayor Gondek

The Heebee-jeebees

Klave Latin Band with Calgary Latin Dancers

The Celebration House Band consists of clarinetist Cédric Blary, pianist Mark Limacher and bassist Jason Valleau who share a deep love of swing music and traditional jazz.   

 

Jason Valleau is a musical powerhouse who can settle into the coziest of grooves or whip a band into a frenzy. A co-founder of the Polyjesters, he’s done it all from the Calgary Stampede’s Grandstand Show to Florida’s Epcot Center, from the UK to Japan.   

 

Mark Limacher is a composer, improviser, arranger, and genre-crossing pianist who listens as hard as he plays. He appears regularly with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Calgary and has performed with leading artists including the Juno Award winning singer Caity Gyorgy.  

 

Cédric Blary is a versatile clarinetist and multi-instrumentalist who is active in the classical, jazz and folk music scenes. Since 1998, he has been the deep voice in The Heebee-jeebees

Wild Mint Arts is a Two-Spirit run Indigenous company based out of Cochrane AB. Elijah Wells is Blackfoot from Kainai and Jessica McMann is Cree from Cowessess. Together they create a variety of performances spanning from theatre for young audiences to contemporary works. Indigenous Dance Studio was formed in 2008 and rebrandedas Wild Mint Arts in 2019. In addition to performances, they run workshops, classes, and curate in a multitude of mediums. Since 2008 they have worked in hundreds of schools and performed at Vancouver International Children’s Festival (2018) and St. Alberts Children Festival (2019). Wild Mint Arts also works extensively in the Kootenai region of BC, recently working with Shuswap Band with dance and art workshops. Wild Mint Arts is funded operationally by Calgary Arts Development and has received many grants to support their ongoing artistic creations. They also provide artist consulting and have provided services to companies such as Rafael Viñoly Architects. 

Leah Kind is a Chestermere-based Poet and Visual Artist who is currently attending Alberta University of The Arts. Her Poetry primarily focuses on Mental Wellness, and Human Conditions. In her writing, she strives to create an understanding between all peoples, highlighting the needed comprehension of individual struggles. Leah draws on her own personal experiences, as well as the people around her to capture moments of genuine human connection and give description to intricate emotions. She is currently working on multi-disciplinary arts projects, bringing her visual artistry and Poetry together.  

Founded by Ishita Singla in 2016, Madhuban Performing Arts is a vibrant cultural hub in Calgary dedicated to South Asian art forms. It offers a platform for professional and semi-professional musicians, dancers, and actors to showcase their talents, enriching Calgary’s art scene. Madhuban’s philanthropic spirit has touched 75+ non-profit organizations through authentic dance and musical performances. A recent milestone was their debut production called Jeevan at The Grand, featuring 40 exceptional performers and earning a standing ovation.  
 
Madhuban’s magnetic performances also graced Chinook Blast, attracting enthusiastic audiences. Notably, their talent was spotlighted in the Netflix feature film Khufiya, filmed in Calgary. Madhuban Performing Arts continues to illuminate Calgary’s artistic landscape, fusing creativity, community, and cultural celebration with every step of their remarkable journey.  
 

Three incredible groups, The Young Canadians, Revv52 and Mount Royal Kantorei, come together creating a massive choir to perform “Up Where We Belong,” a powerful song about love and overcoming obstacles in life.

 

The Young Canadians, a cherished institution since their debut in the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show in 1968, bring youthful vigor and talent to the stage. More than just a performance group, they also empower young individuals through the Young Canadians School of Performing Arts, fostering artistic and personal growth. With over 100 dedicated youth aged 8-21, this dynamic program offers training in dance, voice, and performance, shaping confident and empowered performers. The Young Canadians have a rich legacy, with alumni who have become leaders in the entertainment industry and their communities, showcasing the program’s impact over more than 50 years. 

 

Mount Royal Kantorei, a choral ensemble from MRU Conservatory, adds a touch of sophistication to this artistic fusion. Comprising 90 talented members from diverse backgrounds, Kantorei offers a diverse and innovative choral experience. Their repertoire spans classical, contemporary, and Canadian music, with a commitment to musical excellence. Kantorei’s collaborations and performances with other renowned groups and orchestras have earned them recognition and acclaim, both locally and internationally, including invitations to prestigious competitions and festivals. 

 

Revv52, a dynamic Calgary-based performance ensemble, infuses energy and innovation into the mix. With a mission to expand the boundaries of choral music, Revv52 showcases quality and innovative musical experiences. Boasting over 50 singers from various walks of life and a talented live band and crew, they create a buzz with their sold-out shows and have garnered a global community of music lovers through the Internet. Their commitment to nurturing a love for music and fostering a caring environment among members resonates deeply.

 

John Morgan has a passion for music education and performance and believes in bringing out the best in musicians, vocal groups and individual artists he works with by creating a working environment that fosters learning, creativity, musical development, collaboration, and fun.  John focuses on directing multi-genre vocal groups, as well as delivering full-service music direction for local artists, corporations and events through his studio, Morgan Music, in Calgary.  He is a conductor, organist, pianist, recording engineer and published composer and arranger whose work has been performed by groups across North America including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

John is the Artistic Director of Revv52, a 52 -voice auditioned pop vocal group; Artistic Director of Mount Royal Kantorei, an auditioned 90-voice mixed chorus which is part of Mount Royal University’s Conservatory; Vocal Director of the Young Canadians, a 110 member auditioned vocal and dance group made up of youth and young adults between the ages of 8-21 and is the Music Director and Organist at St. Anthony’s Church.  He also works with a variety of other musical groups and ensembles in the city.

 

John has provided musical direction for special events including the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Club, One Rock Music Festival, The Tenor’s “Home For the Holidays” (2018) and “The Wonder of Christmas” (2019), Dave Kelly Live “Home”, The We Day Benefit Concert,  and over 30 Young Canadians Shows.

 

Through his work with the Young Canadians and the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show, John has had the opportunity to work with Tamara Beatty (The Voice), Scott Henderson (Earthtones and Souls in Rhythm), Dave Pierce (Producer – Michael Buble, Vancouver Olympics), Paul Brandt, Jocelyn Alice and play keys for Jann Arden.

Reuben and the Dark is the enrapturing alt folk-rock outfit led by singer-songwriter Reuben Bullock, whose music blends introspective lyrics with soaring instrumentals. Reuben and the Dark’s music has been featured in Breaking Bad, The Highwaymen, Game of Thrones, Handmaids Tale, and many more. The talented Calgary-born, Joshua Tree-based singer-songwriter, skateboarder and carpenter has released four full lengths on Arts & Crafts and toured the world.  Joining him tonight… The Bullhorn Singers from Kainai Nation. 

The Heebee-jeebees™ are an internationally acclaimed, award-winning, comic a cappella group born and raised in Calgary. Celebrating 30 years together in 2023, they have released eight CDs and have won three international CARA awards – the Grammys of a cappella. The Heebee-jeebees have sung thousands of live performances and have appeared on local, national and international radio and television. The group has a reputation for being hilarious, entertaining and extremely talented. You can find their studio recordings on iTunes & Spotify. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook or at heebee-jeebees.comThey are the most FUN you’ve ever heard!  

Klave Band has been playing in and around Calgary since 2013, inspiring audiences with their high-energy performances. Their most recent performances include Expolatino and Salsa on the Street presented by Calgary’s Hispanic Arts Society, the Brightside Festival, yearly appearances at Lethbridge Latin Fest and the Alzheimer Society of Calgary’s annual Run and Walk, as well as regular appearances at the Asylum for Art, where their tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club is a regular sell-out. Klave is very happy to be a part of tonight’s celebration. Tonight’s band includes Jorge Chaviano on guitar and vocals, Raul Gomez Tabera and Orlando Retana on percussion, Tricia Edwards on keys, Mario Ochoa on bass and Stephen Williams on saxophone.

 

Mara Esnard 

 

Rooted in Cuba, Mara is an educator, dancer, and choreographer. She graduated from the National Ballet School in Havana, Cuba. Mara started her professional career teaching at the Instructors Arts School in her hometown while simultaneously performing with Sol Dance Company. Mara has been an active member of the Arts community in Calgary since 2015. She has spread her love of dance teaching in various studios and schools across the city and with her personal coaching. Through her time in YYC she has participated in a diversity of festivals, performances, and collaborative works. 

 

A gentle and vibrant jazz seed was planted in Mara once she joined Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’s Professional Training Program. Her passion and curiosity for jazz dance and music led her to immerse herself into the program for two seasons and her continued dedication granted Mara a position as DJD company member. 

 

Ingrid Díaz 

 

Born and raised in Cuba, Ingrid is a graduate of the Cuban National School of Art (BFA Modern, Contemporary and Afro-Cuban Dance) and the National Institute of Art (MA Afro-Cuban Dance). 

 

Ingrid is also a graduate of the School of Ballet Creole in Toronto and Calgary’s very own Decidedly Jazz Danceworks ’Professional Training Program. 

 

Her professional career began in 2002 and includes companies such as the National Afro-Cuban Dance Company, Ballet Creole and Three Left Feet Movement Creations. 

 

Throughout her career, Ingrid also had the pleasure to collaborate and perform as a guest artist with Nafro Dance, Newton Moraes Dance Theatre, the South African Musical Umoja, COBA, Bach Tots Performing Arts and Danza Corpus among other companies and independent choreographers. 

 

With over twenty years of professional experience as a choreographer, performer and educator, Ingrid continues to work with prestigious dance schools and companies both in Cuba and Canada. Since 2019, Ingrid has been a sessional instructor for The School of Creative and Performing Arts of the University of Calgary, and is currently Dance School Principal and Director of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ Professional Training Program. 

 

Shae McLean

 

Shae McLean is a professional dancer and established dance teacher. She completed the Edge School for Athletes dance program, the Intensive Training Program at Harbour Dance Centre and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ Professional Training Program before immersing herself in the Latin culture while researching traditional and popular dances in Cuba and Colombia. 

 

Shae collaborated as co-director of Illustrative Society, a performing arts collective where she taught community classes, led company workshops and created contemporary choreography for the 2018 production of Transcend. Since then, Shae continues to explore her choreographic and interpretative style in various personal and group projects in Canada and abroad. 

 

Dayana Valle

 

Dayana Valle is a professional dancer from Cuba. She began formal rhythmic gymnastics training at the age of 7 and transferred to dance three years later, completing her education in the Vocational School of Art Alfonso Perez Isaac. 

 

During her time in Cuba, Dayana also participated in national dance competitions where she obtained various awards and diplomas. In 2014, Dayana moved to China to work as professional dancer for several companies and projects around the country. Her artistic experience includes work in theatre companies, recreational parks, gallery exhibitions, variety shows for all ages and much more. 

9:15-11:00 p.m.

After Party

Featuring:

Food by Great Events Catering

DJ Goodword

Calgary’s Finest Dholis - Bhangra Drummers

Food by Great Events Catering

DJ Goodword

Calgary’s Finest Dholis - Bhangra Drummers

DJing for over 20 years, Edward Mitchell (DJ Goodword) has brought the funk to innumerable parties. From corporate Christmas parties for over 2500 people, to the dusty playa of Burningman, from private soirees in Toronto, to Grey Cup celebrations in Calgary, Goodword is your man who believes every party is another chance to shake off the dust to the old and new tracks that inspire us to boogie.  

Calgary’s Finest Dholis showcases the sound and rhythms of the Punjabi folk drum. We play at special events, concerts, and competitions. We also help teach future dholis while continuing to improve our own skills, creating a community of dhol players in our hometown. We love to play alongside hip-hop, rock and electronic artists locally.

Special Thanks

Jonathan Love

Nur Films

Orange Frog Productions

Peaseblossoms

Production Team & Events Team

Producer - Cherie McMaster

Production Manager - Sylvia Lejeune

Production Coordinator & Stage Management - Natasha Mandrusiak

Assistant Stage Managers - Courtney Bettanin & Ailsa Birnie

Live Captioning - Sophia Hernandez

Sponsor Liaison & Awards Coordination - Bird Creatives

ASL Interpreters

Janice Manchul and Debra Russell

Special Thanks

Jonathan Love

Nur Films

Orange Frog Productions

Peaseblossoms

Production & Events Team

Producer - Cherie McMaster

Production Manager - Sylvia Lejeune

Production Coordinator & Stage Management - Natasha Mandrusiak

Assistant Stage Managers - Courtney Bettanin & Ailsa Birnie

Live Captioning - Sophia Hernandez

Sponsor Liaison & Awards Coordination - Bird Creatives

ASL Interpreters

Janice Manchul and Debra Russell

2023 Award Winners

Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards are a legacy of Calgary’s year as a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2012. 

 

Each award is funded by a contribution from a local philanthropist or organization with each recipient receiving a $5,000 cash prize. We thank the benefactors, nominators and juries of these awards congratulate all the nominees and 2023 award recipients. 

The ATB Powering Possibility Through the Arts Award recognizes and supports organizations who are committed to enriching Calgary through arts programming which power possibilities for the local creative community. The award is intended to allow a presenting body the ability to continue their work and expand their impact in the arts & culture community.  

Award recipient:

Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR)

Elephant Artist Relief Society (EAR) develops and presents programming that supports artists of all disciplines to help sustain their well-being and livelihood, and powers possibility for the Calgary artistic community. 

The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society New Canadian Artist Award was established to recognize that artists from all parts of the world enrich Calgary’s arts sector. This award recognizes and supports an individual artist whose cultural background and relatively recent arrival to Canada result in communication challenges, difficulties in transferring relevant credentials, and isolation from Calgary’s arts community. The award intendsto help these artists pursue their artistic work and connect with the institutions and support networks that are available to all Calgary artists.  

Award recipient:

Sahar Hakimi

Sahar Hakimi is a visual artist whose work focuses on the human rights of minority groups, mental health & cognitive barriers while providing meaningful experience & services for people with disabilities, children & newcomers. 

The Legacy of Doug and Lois Mitchell Outstanding Calgary Artist Award was established to honour artists who are lauded for their work in national and international arenas and choose to make Calgary their home. Regardless of career length these artists are acknowledged by their peers around the world for the calibre of their work and their contributions to the arts. They are innovators who have significantly enriched artistic discourse in Canada. 

Award recipient:

Francis A. Willey

Francis A. Willey is a multi-disciplinary artist and a pillar of the arts community in Calgary. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Francis has worked as a fine art photographer, poet, musician, visual artist, art curator, and mentor to emerging artists in Calgary. 

The Mamdani Arts Leadership Award recognizes and rewards the integral role of board members who lend their expertise, talent, and time to supporting the work of arts organizations and festivals that make Calgary a vibrant and creative city. This award honors an arts volunteer board member who goes above and beyond to support the logistics, programming, operation, and/or culture of the organization(s) they choose to support. 

Award recipient:

Tara Vahab

Tara Vahab is Board Chair at LOUD Art Society. Tara’s leadership skills include steering LAS to attain CRA charity status, developing operational strategies, engaging volunteers, mentoring youth, and advocating art therapy. 

The RBC Emerging Artist Award was established to recognize up-and-coming Calgary-based artists. The award recognizes that a thriving cultural community includes artists who choose to live and build their careers in Calgary from the outset. The intent of the award is to bring recognition and awareness to outstanding artists in the early phases of their careers.

Award recipient:

Cassie Suche

Cassie Suche is an exceptional talent who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Calgary through her experimental art practice and outstanding contributions to the city’s arts community. 

The Rozsa Foundation Emerging Arts Manager Award is intended to honour an early career arts administrator who is doing noteworthy work, both within the organizations that they are working for, but also in the broader community. 

Award recipient:

Kadra Yusuf

Kadra Yusuf, Artistic Director at EMMEDIA, has made measurable impact on diversity and inclusion, created innovative programs, and fostered productive collaborations, positioning herself and the organization for future success. Her dedication to serving the arts sector and contributions to the Calgary arts community make her extremely deserving of this award. 

 

Indigenous Artist Award, sponsored by TD Bank Group 
TD is very proud to sponsor The Indigenous Artist Award and to recognize this year’s winner: Kristy North Peigan. This award was created to recognize the contributions of Indigenous artists, crafts peoples, and knowledge keepers to Calgary.

Award recipient:

Kristy North Peigan

Kristy North Peigan is a member of the Piikani First Nation and a freelance artist and designer in Calgary. She is a graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts, and uses Indigenous teachings and subject matter to portray a modern view of Indigenous voices. 

Partners & Sponsors

Presented by

Champion Partner

Artist Showcase Partner

Venue Partner & After Party Sponsor

Accessibility Sponsors

VIP Sponsors

Patrons

Aspen Properties

DIALOG

Kasian Architecture and Interior Design

University of Calgary

We acknowledge that the land we gather on, Mohkinsstsis, is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi — the Blackfoot people — comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations. Today this land is home to the Metis of Region 3 as well as many First Nations and Inuit peoples from across Turtle Island.


We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work.