| Media Release - Mayors Spotlight Arts coming in September |
Do you know an individual or group whose long-term commitment to the arts has had an enduring impact on Canmore’s arts community? Anyone who answers yes is encouraged to submit a nomination in the “Community Builder” category for the upcoming Mayor’s Spotlight on the Arts. Nomination forms are now available at the Town of Canmore Civic Centre (902 7th Avenue) or at www.canmore.ca . Completed forms must be received no later than August 27, 2010 at 4 pm.
Formerly called The Mayor’s Awards for Arts and Culture, the new program is designed to recognize artistic excellence in Canmore by “spotlighting” local artistic excellence on an annual basis. According to Chris Bartolomie of the Town’s Arts and Culture Department, “We are excited to be re-visioning the event because with so much talent and enthusiasm in Canmore. We want to recognize and celebrate artistic excellence rather than holding a competition.” The goals of the event are to celebrate the artistic richness in Canmore, to recognize, honour, and value the contribution of artists locally and globally, to foster and promote opportunities for emerging artists, and to recognize those who support the arts in Canmore. The new event will focus on the diversity and variety of artistic talent associated with Canmore. New to this year’s event will be a keynote speaker, someone with a strong local connection who is also recognized for their artistic contribution beyond Canmore’s borders. “Celebrating someone with international recognition will bring awareness to the artistic talent we have here in Canmore and will also bring an inspirational component to our event” explains Bartolomie. The event will also spotlight three Canmore artists who have succeeded professionally in their chosen medium, recognize artists who have made a lifetime contribution to the arts and announce this year’s spotlighted “Community Builder” recipient. An emerging artist bursary of $2500 will also be announced. The bursary is available through a grant application process. The bursary will recognize a 17-25 year old emerging artist who shows promise and would benefit from further education or exploration. The Mayor’s Awards for Arts and Culture was historically presented as the kickoff for Canmore’s June artsPeak festival. “We heard from many artists that artsPeak weekend is very busy for them and they are overcommitted. We decided to move the event allowing for a better focus on the artists who are being recognized. As well, we wanted to do something that would provide an appropriate kick off for Alberta Arts Days, which run from September 17-19”, says Bartolomie. Recognized artists and award recipients will be ‘in the spotlight’ at an evening wine and appetizer event on September 17, 2010 at the Civic Centre. |
