At home - 2021 TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION - Toronto ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
at home 2021 TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION AWARDS
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR It is my pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone attending the virtual Mayor’s Arts Awards Lunch hosted by Toronto Arts Foundation. Today’s event is a celebration of Toronto’s creative community and its artistic excellence. Congratulations to the award recipients who are being honoured and recognized for their work today. While we can’t gather in person this year to celebrate these achievements that continue to advance our City’s arts scene, it is important to recognize the many accomplishments that have successfully contributed to creative city- building in Toronto. The arts are a priority for our city and I am delighted to support Toronto Arts Foundation’s vision of a vibrant and creative city where every neighbourhood is enriched through art. Toronto will continue to be a leader in arts and culture and we recognize that your hard work and dedication greatly contributes to this reputation. Your impact on the community is vital to the success of our city. Throughout the pandemic, arts and culture have played a vital role in bringing people together and providing hope for residents as we navigate these challenging times. The arts and culture sector has instilled optimism, joy and encouragement. While artists and the sector have been widely impacted by the pandemic, many continue to find ways to provide hope and joy through their work. We know the arts will continue boosting our collective morale as we move toward the recovery phase of the pandemic. It is imperative that we support the sector and the many people behind it. On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable event and continued success. Yours truly, John Tory Mayor of Toronto
A MESSAGE FROM
KATHLEEN SHARPE &
CLAIRE HOPKINSON
Kathleen Sharpe, Chair Claire Hopkinson, M.S.M.
Toronto Arts Foundation Director & CEO
Toronto Arts Council /
Toronto Arts Foundation
Welcome to the 16th annual Mayor’s Arts “Lunch,” and our second time offering this event as a
digital celebration. On behalf of Toronto Arts Foundation, we want to thank you for joining us to
recognize artists and arts organizations whose work continues to lead and strengthen this creative city.
While it has been a challenging time to be in Toronto, there is still much to be proud of. Although
galleries and performance halls have had to close their doors for well over a year now, artists and
organizations have seized opportunities to pivot and recalibrate their practices to continue to inspire.
We have all kept faith – artists, audiences, donors, funders and political leaders. Toronto’s artists are
proving to be an essential ingredient in providing connection, joy and perspective. This is a celebration
of all of you in the audience today, who have endured and given so much this past year.
The finalists this year are truly amazing, exhibiting artistic excellence and leadership in their field.
Toronto Arts Foundation is proud to recognize their contributions to the City of Toronto, and is
delighted to have the opportunity to share their stories. A profound thank you to our Lunch sponsors
for helping to make this event happen.
Thank you for being a part of our celebration, and for joining us today to honour these outstanding
artists!
Kathleen Sharpe Claire Hopkinson, M.S.M.
Chair, Director & CEO,
Toronto Arts Foundation Toronto Arts Council & Toronto Arts Foundation
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 1JESSE WENTE HOST
Jesse Wente is a cultural leader in Canada’s film industry. The former Director of Film Programming at Toronto
International Film Festival, and currently the Director of Indigenous Screen Office, he has also been a popular culture
critic and broadcaster with the CBC for twenty years. Jesse is an avid and well-spoken advocate for Aboriginal Arts, most
notably on screen. He has served as President at Native Earth Performing Arts, Canada’s oldest Indigenous Performing
Arts company, as well as on the Board of Directors of Toronto Arts Council and ImagiNATIVE Film + Media Arts
Festival. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Canada Council for the Arts.
DENISE FUJIWARA
Denise Fujiwara is based in Toronto where she choreographs, dances, teaches and presents dance. EUNOIA, her multimedia
adaptation of Christian Bök’s award-winning book was premiered by World Stage at Harbourfront Centre, received three
Dora nominations, was one of NOW’s Top 5 Dance Shows of 2014, and tours nationally. In 2015 she was a soloist in the
Luminato Festival’s extravaganza, Apocalypsis, directed by Lemi Ponifasio. International commissions include ensemble
works created for la Compania Nacional de Costa Rica and eX-it ’11 in Germany. Solos created for her by Japanese butoh
masters, Natsu Nakajima and Yukio Waguri toured to four continents. She teaches Butoh, performance and improvisation
in Toronto and abroad. In 2013 she received Toronto Arts Foundation’s Muriel Sherrin Award. She is the founding Artistic
Director of two organizations; Fujiwara Dance Inventions, which supports her choreography, performance and teaching
work, and the CanAsian Dance Festival, an organization that supports the development of Canadian choreographers who
create work with Asian roots and ideas. fujiwaradance.com
About Noppera-bo
This short film arose out of meditations on the alchemy of the entwining issues of masks and anonymity. Noppera-bo is a
faceless ghost, a fantastical creature that sows fear. Noppera-bo seems to have re-emerged in the wake of the pandemic; a
time where masks and face coverings, whether worn for religious or health reasons, has become political, where anonymity
protects faceless people who spread disinformation and hate through institutions and cyberspace, and fear and distrust are
triggered by an unseen virus that can be carried by people who do not know they are contagious. Choreographer, Denise
Fujiwara and director, William Yong worked intuitively, conjuring ideas into movement and startling imagery resulting in this
haunting short dance film, Noppera-bo. Commissioned in Toronto by Older & Reckless, it has just won a One-Reeler Short
Film Competition 2020 Award of Excellence in Los Angeles.
WILLIAM YONG
William Yong is a multi-faceted artist, performer, choreographer, designer and director for theatre and film. Since he
founded Zata Omm and W Zento Production, as the Artistic Director, William has spent the last fifteen years breaking
new ground collaborating with artists, scientists and engineers in bold and innovative ways. In particular Zata Omm
has become a site for research under his tenure, focussing on the integration of dance, technology and broader culture
in order to re-imagine performances for our technological age. William’s professional career in dance and theatre spans
over twenty-seven years. The award-winning director has created more than one hundred original works worldwide that
have been exhibited by major presenters. He was trained and received his master’s degree with distinction at the London
Contemporary Dance School in U.K. William and his works received ten Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations.
He was also nominated for MyTheatre Awards’ ‘Outstanding Direction’ for Comfort. William was awarded the winner
of 2013 ‘I love dance/J’aime la danse’ Award for Innovation presented by Canada Dance Assembly. William and the
ensemble of Against The Grain Theatre’s opera production Kopernikus were awarded the winner of the Dora Mavor
Moore Award 2019 for ‘Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble’ in Opera Division. He was also the winning
cinematographer for ‘Best Cinematography’ at the 2020 Venice Shorts Film Awards and a winner director for ‘Award of
Excellence’ at One-Reeler Short Film Competition.
2 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATIONPROGRAM
MAY 11, 2021
12:00 – 1:00 PM
HOST
Jesse Wente
REMARKS
Mayor John Tory
PERFORMANCE
Denise Fujiwara
REMARKS
Claire Hopkinson, M.S.M.
Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation
AWARDS PRESENTATION
The Margo Bindhardt and Rita Davies Cultural Leadership Award
Emerging Artist Award
Toronto Arts and Business Award
Emerging Jazz Artist Award
Muriel Sherrin Award
Arts for Youth Award
#TOArtsAwards #TOarts
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 3ABOUT THE AWARD COMMISSION
Each year the Foundation commissions the creation of an original artwork. An
individual artist or artist collective is selected to create a unique art piece which
commemorates the award program. This artwork is produced in a multiple of ten,
with the first seven in the edition presented to award recipients. The commissioning
program enables the Foundation to support the development of new work and to
further recognize the contributions of its award recipients with original art by some of
Toronto’s most important visual artists.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY & STATEMENT: ESMAA MOHAMOUD
Esmaa Mohamoud (Canadian, b. 1992), is a Toronto-based African-Canadian
artist. She holds a BFA from Western University (2014) and an MFA from OCAD
University (2016). Recently, Mohamoud has exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario, AWARD PLATE
the Royal Ontario Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts Montreal, and the University of COMMISSIONS
Michigan’s Institute for the Humanities Gallery, USA. Upcoming exhibitions include:
2020 Luis Jacob
To Play in the Face of Certain Defeat, travelling from Museum London to: Art Gallery
2019 Rajni Perera
of Hamilton, Ottawa Art Gallery and Winnipeg Art Gallery and Garmenting: Costume 2018 Syrus Marus Ware
and Contemporary Art, curated by Dr. Alexandra Schwartz, Ph.D., Museum of Arts 2017 Kent Monkman
and Design, New York, NY, USA. 2016 Stephen Andrews
2015 Shary Boyle
ALEXX BOISJOLI, CERAMICIST
2014 Jennifer Marman and
Alexx Boisjoli runs a small production studio based in Toronto. Trained in design Daniel Borins
and craft, he explores functional wares and graphic goods as part of his professional 2013 Louise Noguchi
practice. His experience in producing ceramic decals has allowed him to work with 2012 An Te Liu
Toronto Arts Foundation for nine years running. 2011 Katie Bethune Leamen
2010 Jon Sasaki
2009 Cecilia Berkovic
2008 Julie Voyce
4 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATIONTHE PEER REVIEW PROCESS
WHO SELECTS THE FINALISTS AND AWARD RECIPIENTS?
Toronto Arts Foundation makes decisions about its award Programs Manager Liza Mattimore and the Council’s Music
finalists and winners through the peer review process, meaning Program Manager Christy DiFelice. The peer review process
that all Finalists are evaluated by a panel of professional artists is a valuable tool in ensuring transparency and a fair and
and arts administrators. This conforms to the process used thorough assessment.
by Toronto Arts Council and is led by the Council’s Strategic
SIGNATURE AWARD PANELIST BIOGRAPHIES
Andy McKim has directed over 50 premiere productions of of VIBE Arts and D’LYFE Dance Company, providing a focus
Canadian plays. He was Artistic Director of Theatre Passe on mentorship. Onika is also Co-Founder of GoLEFT Creatives
Muraille (2007–2019) and Associate Artistic Director of and a member of the international non-profit organization Delta
Tarragon Theatre (1986–2007). He was the President of PACT Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
(2002–2005) and the President of TAPA (1997–1999). He has
been recognized with a Playwrights Guild Bras D’or Award (for Ryan Rice, Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawake, is an
Playwright Gender Equity), the George Luscombe Mentorship independent curator and is an Associate Dean in the Faculty
Award, a PACT Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award and of Liberal Arts at OCAD University. His institutional and
TAPA’s Silver Ticket Award for Lifetime Achievement. independent curatorial career spans over 25 years in museums,
artist run centres and galleries. He is currently working on two
Nova Bhattacharya is a groundbreaking and award-winning solo exhibitions; Jordan Bennett: Souvenir for Onsite Gallery and
dancer, choreographer and cultural leader based in Toronto, Pageant: Natalie King for Centre [3], while his exhibition Bait:
Canada. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Nova Couzyn van Heuvelen continues to tour in 2021.
Dance, established in 2008. Her creations breathe rich life into
the world of Canadian dance, rich with vivid images that invite Sashar Zarif is an internationally renowned performing
the viewer on a journey of heart and mind. Nova believes that artist, educator, and researcher. For the last three decades Zarif
dance expresses the essence of our humanity and has tremendous has toured across forty countries; and has spent his professional
transformative power to bring us together. novadance.ca life promoting cultural dialogue through intensive fieldwork,
residencies, performances, and creative collaborations. His
Onika Powell brings over 20 years of experience in the Arts as award-winning, multi-disciplinary dance projects are steeped
a dancer, performer, teacher, and creative with work spanning as in the artistry and history of traditional, ritualistic, and
far as the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa. With a degree contemporary dance and music of the Central Asian, Middle
in Public Service and Liberal studies, she’s the Artistic Director Eastern, and North African regions.
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 5EMERGING JAZZ ARTIST AWARD
PANELIST BIOGRAPHIES
Multi-award winning singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Since 2009, he has occupied the Oscar Peterson Chair in Jazz
Biali has performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages Performance at York University in Toronto (Canada) where
including New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Renowned for her he is an Associate Professor in the Music Department of the
signature sound, which “masterfully mixes jazz and pop” School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.
(Washington Post), Biali is the recipient of numerous prestigious
accolades including a 2020 SOCAN Music Award and 2019 A pastor’s daughter, Dione Taylor, describes being raised in
JUNO Award. On March 27, 2020 Biali released her latest a family that was “…connected to the gift of song.” She began
album, Out of Dust, to rave reviews. This album was just playing the organ at four and by ten was the music director
nominated for a 2021 JUNO Award. Biali is also the host of and organist at her family church in Regina. She undertook
CBC Music’s national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz, and has classical studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music and upon
toured with the pop icon Sting. graduation from Humber College, burst onto the music scene
with her Juno nominated debut album Open Your Eyes. She
Josh Grossman is Artistic Director for Toronto Downtown has performed for audiences that have included the President
Jazz, producers of the annual TD Toronto Jazz Festival, one of the United States and Queen Elizabeth II. Taylor was
of Canada’s largest international music festivals. A graduate of nominated for a Gemini Award for her rendition of Oscar
the University of Toronto’s Jazz Performance Program, Josh is Peterson’s Hymn to Freedom. Taylor is also the recipient of the
a freelance trumpeter and the founding Artistic Director and Governor General’s Performing Arts Award Mentorship
Conductor for the 18-piece Toronto Jazz Orchestra, now in its Program. Dione’s latest album, Spirits in the Water, demonstrates
21st year. His extensive arts administration experience includes her signature’ Prairie Blues’ sound, won Album of the Year for
time as Performance Manager for The Glenn Gould School at Blues and Roots Radio 2020 and is nominated for a JUNO.
The Royal Conservatory; Manager for the High Park Choirs of
Toronto; Operations Manager for Continuum Contemporary Amanda Tosoff is a pianist and composer with six albums
Music; and Artistic Director for the Markham Jazz Festival. to her credit. She has received various honours, including the
Montréal Jazz Festival Grand Prix de Jazz, the Toronto Arts
Ron Westray was lead trombonist and arranger for the Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award – and most recently,
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of a JUNO nomination for her album Words, which blends
Wynton Marsalis from 1994 to 2005. A long-time collaborator poetry, jazz, art-song & folk-pop. With Amanda’s sixth release
of Marcus Roberts, he has toured and recorded with jazz as a leader, Earth Voices, she continues to pursue the creative
luminaries such as Wycliffe Gordon, Benny Carter, Roy and stylistic leap she began on Words, once again drawing
Haynes, Randy Brecker, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and the on poetry with a deep personal and emotional connection –
Mingus Big Band. As leader or co-leader, Westray has released which features 16 special guest singers and instrumentalists.
a number of albums including Bone Structure (with Wycliffe Amanda is also a passionate educator who is on faculty at
Gordon), Medical Cures for the Chromatic Commands of the Inner City, Humber College and is co-artistic director of education hub
Live from Austin (with Thomas Heflin), Jimi Jazz and Magisteria. MusicArtsCollective.com.
From 2005 to 2009, he was an Assistant Professor of the Jazz
Studies Department at the University of Texas at Austin.
6 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATIONTORONTO’S CITY-WIDE
CHARITY FOR THE ARTS.
Strengthening Toronto through responsive, strategic
and innovative investments in the arts.
Arts in the Parks launch event
Photo taken at the 2018
Learn more about how you can make an impact and donate today:THE MARGO BINDHARDT AND RITA DAVIES
CULTURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Margo Bindhardt and Rita Davies Cultural Leadership Award is a $10,000
cash prize with $1,000 going to each finalist honouree. This award recognizes
the exceptional contributions of two visionary cultural leaders: Margo Bindhardt
as the former president of Toronto Arts Council and inaugural president of
Toronto Arts Foundation, and Rita Davies as the Founding Executive Director
of Toronto Arts Council. The award is presented to an individual who has
demonstrated creative cultural leadership in the development of arts and
culture in Toronto. Administrators, volunteers, artists and creators are eligible for
consideration. This award is made possible in part by the generous support of
John and Raphaela Dunlap. The finalist awards are supported by Neera Chopra.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2019 Nina Lee Aquino
2017 Jacoba Knaapen
2015 Scott Miller Berry
2013 Robert Foster
2013 Che Kothari
2011 Jane Marsland
2009 Miriam Adams
2007 Franco Boni
2002 Layne Coleman
2000 Tom Hendry
8DENISE BOLDUC
FINALIST
Bolduc is an established creative
director and producer who programs
to transform perspectives and activate
change. Her career of three decades
represents countless contributions and
connections with numerous celebrated
artists, creative thinkers and leading
cultural institutions with an emphasis on
elevating Indigenous voices. Denise is
French and Anishinaabe, a member of
Batchewana First Nations with familial
ties in Ketegaunseebee.
“This nomination has offered me the time
to reflect on the past, accept the present,
and dream of a better future. A decolonized
future where there is inclusion, respect and
kindness for each and every human being.
Where, creative process and relationships
trump product or productivity. Where the
land, the animals and water are protected
and considered precious. This nomination
has reminded me of the great privilege my
life has been, especially in this city and its
arts community.”
Photo by: Rosalie Favel
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 9DEL MAHABADI FINALIST Del Mahabadi is the Founder and Chief Executive Director of the non-profit music organization Waveland. She is driven by the power that music holds in influencing our society, and is committed to building vibrant and inclusive communities via Canadian music. “Canada is a land of many things, and music is one of them. Music breaks down barriers between people and cultures, and leaves us feeling refreshed, heard, inspired, and most importantly – a sense of belonging.” Del Mahabadi Twitter: @del_mahabadi Instagram: @del_mahabadi LinkedIn: Del Mahabadi Waveland Twitter: @wavelandcanada Instagram: @wavelandcanada Facebook: /wavelandca Youtube: Waveland Canada Website: waveland.ca 10 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION
DWAYNE
MORGAN
FINALIST
Dwayne Morgan began his career in
the spoken word in 1993. Morgan is
the author of 13 published and 9 audio
collections of his work. Morgan was a
2016 finalist for the Premier’s Award
for Excellence in the Arts and a 2013
inductee into the Scarborough Walk of
Fame.
“All of my work is informed by the human
experience. I write about love, race, gender,
sexuality, whatever it is that people go
through. I’ve always strived to create work
that was accessible and allowed people to
see and find themselves in it.”
Twitter: @dwayne_morgan
Instagram: @dwayne_morgan
Facebook: /theofficialdwaynemorganpage
Youtube: bit.ly/3mPc1s8
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 11EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
The Emerging Artist Award is a $10,000 cash prize, with finalists
receiving $2,000. The award celebrates the accomplishments
and future potential of an emerging Toronto artist working in
any discipline. Established in 2006, the award is generously
sponsored by Susan Crocker and John Hunkin to support the
development or completion of new work. The award given to
finalist honourees was established in 2014 through the generous
donation of the Bulmash-Siegel Foundation.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2020 jes sachse
2019 Joshua Vettivelu
2018 Jivesh Parasram
2017 Anique Jordan
2016 Benjamin Kamino
2015 Emilie Lebel
2014 Jordan Tannahill
2013 Daniel Karasik
2012 Chris Curreri
2011 Adam Garnet Jones
2010 Jamie Travis
2009 Anusree Roy
2008 Weyni Mengesha
2007 d’bi.young.anitafrika
2006 Natasha Mytnowych
12BRITTA B.
FINALIST
Britta B. is a poet, performer, emcee,
voice actor, and educator. She
teaches poetry and social justice
workshops with organizations like
JAYU (pronounced JAH-YOU), the
League of Canadian Poets and Prologue
Performing Arts. Britta is currently a
Creative Writing MFA candidate at
University of Guelph.
“Part of my power is knowing I have
a sense of belonging and purpose. This
nomination symbolizes that I am supported,
seen, and cheered for more than I’ll ever
know.”
Twitter: @missbrittab
Instagram: @missbrittab
Website: brittab.com
Photo by: Gilad Cohen
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 13OLIVIA SHORTT FINALIST (Anishinaabe, Nipissing First Nation) Olivia Shortt is a Tkarón:to-based transdisciplinary performing artist and musician. Career highlights include their Lincoln Center (NYC) debut with the International Contemporary Ensemble, their film debut in Atom Egoyan’s 2019 film Guest of Honour, & recording an album two kilometres underground in the SnoLAB. They were awarded and named one of the 2020 Buddies in Bad Times’ Emerging Queer Artists. “My core values are rooted in community, care, support and love for the people around me. I love celebrating the living.” Twitter: @oliviash_rt Instagram: @oliviash_rtt Facebook: /ThisIsOliviaShortt Website: olivia-shortt.com Photo by: Alejandro Santiago 14 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION
IRMA
VILLAFUERTE
FINALIST
Villafuerte is a Tkarón:to-based dancer
and educator, first-generation daughter
of refugees from Nahuat Pipil Territory
Kuskatan, El Salvador. A graduate of
George Brown Dance, she serves as an
educator at Randolph College for the
Performing Arts and Casa Maiz’ Semillas
Latinas summer program. She’s been part
of Aluna Theatre’s Panamerican Routes
Festival, Panamania 2015, 12th Bienal de la
Habana’15, and CounterPulse Performing
Diaspora. She’s choreographed for Trey
Anthony’s How Black Mothers Say I love
You and is currently incubating a solo
nudoDESnudo.
“Dance and theatre have been instrumental
in my expression and have allowed me to
unleash the colourful and intense stories that
live in my body. My objective when I work
with artists in development is to facilitate the
process of self-discovery, introspective research
and individuality in the creative process.”
Instagram: @southofyourfeet
Website: irmavillafuerte.com
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 15TORONTO ARTS AND BUSINESS AWARD
The Toronto Arts and Business Award recognizes a business or
corporation that has made an important contribution to the arts
in Toronto through innovative and transformational partnerships.
Recipients have ranged from national financial institutions and
real estate developers to small design firms and local businesses.
Presented in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation, Business/
Arts, and the Toronto Star, this award was established in 2006.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2020 Concord Adex
2019 Gladstone Hotel
2018 RBC and Active Green+Ross
2017 Aviv Restaurant
2016 Bridgewater Family Wealth Services
2015 The Working Group
2014 Heights Development Inc.
2013 Sun Life Financial
2012 Daniels Corporation
2011 TD Financial Group
2010 BMO Financial Group
2009 Scotiabank Group
2008 Torys LLP
2007 Robert Lowrey’s Piano Experts
2006 CIBC Mellon
16RECIPIENT
Canada Life is a leading insurance,
wealth management and benefits
provider focused on improving the
financial, physical and mental well-
being of Canadians. For more than 170
years, individuals, families and business
owners across Canada have trusted
them to provide sound guidance and
deliver on the promises they have made.
Today, they proudly serve more than
12 million customer relationships from
coast to coast to coast.
“Canada Life is proud to support arts
programs that make a strong social impact,
especially in diverse, under-represented,
marginalized or at-risk communities. We
believe in the power of the arts to connect us
and bring positive change for the well-being
of all Canadians.”
Jeff Macoun, President & COO, Canada
Twitter: @canadalifeco
Instagram: @canadalifeco
Facebook: / CanadaLifeCo
Website: canadalife.com
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 17EMERGING JAZZ ARTIST AWARD
The Emerging Jazz Artist Award is a $10,000 cash prize with
finalists receiving $1,000. The award furthers the career of an
outstanding emerging jazz artist and is intended to support the
pre-production, production, and/or recording of original music
composed by the recipient. Established in 2014, the award is
supported by Cheryl and Manuel Buchwald.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2020 Jesse Ryan
2019 Mark Godfrey
2018 Rebecca Hennessy
2017 Larnell Lewis
2016 Amanda Tosoff
2015 Justin Gray
2014 Chelsea McBride
18VIRGINIA
MacDONALD
FINALIST
2020 International Clarinetist Corona
Competition first prize winner Virginia
MacDonald has established herself as
a respected and sought after musician
in the Canadian jazz scene. Known for
her lyrical and soulful clarinet playing,
Virginia has been described as a
“powerful new voice in the Canadian
scene” by Juno Award-winning bassist
Mike Downes. In addition to her busy
performance schedule, Virginia is an
in-demand educator and has given
masterclasses at McGill University, the
Global Music Institute, and the True
School of Music. Virginia is a Rovner
ambassador.
“I think the Toronto jazz scene is special
because it draws upon so many different
styles and cultural influences. There is an
incredible sense of close-knit community
within the scene despite Toronto being such a
large city, and I have always felt supported
and welcomed by both peers and the older
generation of musicians alike.”
Twitter: @virgfmmusic
Instagram: @virgfm
Facebook: /virginia.frigaultmacdonald
YouTube: bit.ly/2QvIF5R
Website: virginiamacdonald.ca
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 19JOANNA MAJOKO FINALIST Toronto-based vocalist, composer, and bandleader Joanna Majoko has established a reputation for herself as one of Canada’s most exciting young singers, and is a regular presence on the bandstand with some of the country’s top musicians. Born to German and Zimbabwean parents, Majoko spent her childhood in Zimbabwe. She is equally at home singing neo-soul, orchestrating a jazz standard and playing the caxixi and the claves. This year Majoko has released her debut EP, No Holding Back, an astonishing, powerful statement on her personal history, the fruitful collaborative relationships of her musical present, and her vision for the future to come. “When I received the call that I had been selected to be one of the finalists, I was actually brought to tears. This accolade comes at a time where life has felt more and more difficult as a musician in our current climate. This achievement has brought me a lot of joy.” Twitter: @itsjoannamajoko Instagram: @itsjoannamajoko Facebook: /itsjoannamajoko YouTube: bit.ly/2QjLZkR Spotify: spoti.fi/32qr41V Website: joannamajoko.com 20 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION
SARAH THAWER
FINALIST
Sarah Thawer is a JUNO Award-
nominated drummer and recording
artist based in Toronto. She started
playing drums aged 2 and performing
at 5. Sarah is currently performing,
recording and touring the world with
different artists as well as performing
solo and with her own band. She plays
a range of genres including, jazz, fusion,
Indian, funk, r&b, hip hop, and latin.
Sarah studied jazz and world music at
York University. A recipient of the Oscar
Peterson Scholarship she graduated
with the Summa Cum Laude distinction.
“Drumming and music have been a part
of my life for as long as I can remember. I
always say that the drums chose me; I never
consciously decided to play the drums, I was
always just playing them.”
Twitter: @sarahtdrumguru
Instagram: @sarahtdrumguru
Facebook: /sarahtdrumguru1
YouTube: bit.ly/3gjXnYJ
Website: sarahthawer.com
Photo by: Tré-Michael Bullen
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 21MURIEL SHERRIN AWARD
The Muriel Sherrin Award is a $10,000 cash prize that celebrates
an artist or creator who has made a contribution to the cultural
life of Toronto through outstanding achievement in music or
dance. The recipient will also have participated in international
initiatives, including touring, studying abroad and participating in
artist exchanges. In addition to the prize money, the 2021 recipient
will receive a complimentary week long stay at Valleyview Artist
Retreat. The award rotates from music to dance in alternating prize
years. This year, the award will be presented in the field of dance.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2019 Eve Egoyan
2017 Yvonne Ng
2015 Paul Read
2013 Denise Fujiwara
2011 Dr. Trichy Sankaran
2009 Christopher House
2007 Lawrence Cherney
2006 Peter Chin
2004 Marshall Pynkoski
2002 Danny Grossman
2000 Joe Sealy
1998 David Earle
1996 Jeanne Lamon
22EMILY CHEUNG
FINALIST
Emily Cheung is recognized as one of
the leaders in cross-cultural exchange
and liaison with foreign artists
practicing traditional and contemporary
Chinese dance in Toronto. Cheung
is involved in preserving Chinese
culture and collaborating with artists
from other disciplines and ethnic
backgrounds to create works with
unique aesthetic sensibilities.
“Dance is a universal language that
expresses myself more than words. It
continues to push my expression and creative
boundaries to make connections with the
audience. It is the passion of expressing
oneself during these difficult times that I
feel an even stronger pull to reach out to
our community as we need each other to get
through this.”
Little Pear Garden
Twitter: @LPGCol
Instagram: @littlepeargdc
Facebook: /littlepeargarden
YouTube: bit.ly/3x9hKhn
Web: littlepeargarden.com
Emily Cheung
Instagram: @emdancelpgc
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 23MI YOUNG KIM FINALIST Mi Young Kim has established herself as one of the leading figures in the Korean- Canadian cultural scene. She works as a dancer, choreographer and instructor, and founded the Mi Young Kim Folk Dance Institute in 1979. The company then became the Korean Dance Studies Society of Canada, a non-profit organization in 1987. “Korean dance has a long history of tradition and it is a unique art form representing most Korean’s emotions. It is crucial to preserve it in its original form, and I strongly believe that, by doing so, we better contribute to cultural diversity in Canada.” Instagram: @thekoreandancestudies Facebook: /kdssc YouTube: bit.ly/32xt0WE Website: koreandance.net 24 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION
VIVINE
SCARLETT
FINALIST
Vivine is Founder, Executive Director
and Curator for dance Immersion, an
organization that supports dancers
and dances of the African Diaspora.
Her inspired journey continues to
provide a variety of platforms that serve
Canadian artists of African ancestry with
opportunities that have laid a foundation
for continued growth and representation.
“I am beyond humbled and honoured to
be nominated for my service. I am deeply
grateful.”
Twitter: @danceImmersion
Instagram: @danceImmersion
Facebook: /dance.immersion
YouTube: bit.ly/3vjy9hx
Website: danceimmersion.ca
Photo by: Christopher Cushman
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 25ARTS FOR YOUTH AWARD
The Arts for Youth Award was established in 2007 by Martha Burns,
Jim Fleck and Sandra and Jim Pitblado. The award celebrates an
individual, collective or organization that has demonstrated an
outstanding commitment to engaging Toronto’s youth through the
arts and artistic creation. The recipient of the Award will receive a
$20,000 cash prize, with each finalist receiving $2,000. The finalist
awards are supported by a generous donation from Diana Bennett &
Spencer Lanthier.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2020 JAYU
2019 Blank Canvas Gallery
2018 Rise Edutainment
2017 The Artists Mentoring Youth Project
2016 Young People’s Theatre
2015 The Remix Project
2014 CUE
2013 Art Starts
2012 Supporting Our Youth (S.O.Y.)
2011 Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
2010 Manifesto Community Projects
2009 Mammalian Diving Reflex
2008 SKETCH
2007 Arts for Children and Youth
26BAM COLLECTIVE
FINALIST
BAM (Books Art Music Collective)
is a youth-led collective aiming to
empower equity-seeking young
individuals through art and community
engagement in Ontario and New York.
Operating from an anti-oppression
framework, BAM brings awareness to
issues that matter to equity-seeking
young individuals and empower them
by hosting community art workshops
and gatherings. BAM also organizes
online campaigns and conferences
and runs creative programs to support
and connect youth with resources to
strengthen our communities.
“Art is the heart of BAM; it helped us
provide a safe, creative space for newcomers,
refugees, and Indigenous youth to connect
and share stories on mental health. Our
programs use art and creative tools to
bring awareness to various issues affecting
vulnerable communities; art is essential for
giving people a voice to share their struggles
and advocate for the voiceless.”
Twitter: @bamcollective.ca
Instagram: @bamcollectivee
Facebook: /BAMCollectivee
Website: bamcollective.ca
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 27PAPRIKA FESTIVAL FINALIST Since 2001, Paprika Festival has been a launching pad for young and emerging artists. Paprika runs free year-round training programs that culminate in the annual Paprika Festival, showcasing new work by new generation artists. Paprika has been the starting point for several of Canada’s most celebrated artists and arts leaders. “At Paprika we have an ethos of “one size fits one” and in this we approach programming and operational decisions through a responsive framework that puts the artist at the centre of our work and decision- making. I think the future of theatre in Toronto is something that is less product- driven, and more centred around the artist and what they need to exist and live and work in this city.” Twitter: @PaprikaFestival Instagram: @PaprikaFestival Facebook: /PaprikaFestival Website: paprikafestival.com Photo of: Kanika Ambrose, Artistic Director, and Daniel Carter, former General Manager 28 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION
XPACE CULTURAL
CENTRE
FINALIST
Xpace Cultural Centre is a not-for-
profit artist-run centre dedicated to
providing emerging and student artists,
designers, curators and writers with
opportunities to showcase their work in
a professional setting. They approach
their programming as a form of world-
building: providing exhibitions, events,
panels and workshops that respond
to the direct needs and interests of
their communities and membership.
Expanding notions of theory and
aesthetics, they seek to hold space for
thought-provoking and experimental
collaborations.
“The intention of [our] programs has
never been to hoard knowledge or create
relationships of dependency, but rather to
truly advocate for the rights and agency of
emerging art practitioners over their own
practices: democratizing space and allowing
for new stories to arise.”
Twitter: @xpacecc
Instagram: @xpacecc
Facebook: /xpacecc
YouTube: bit.ly/3szlpRP
Website: xpace.info
Photo of: Xpace Programming Launch & Back-to-School
Party, 2019. Performance by Yovska from The Boulet
Brothers Dragula
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 29CREATIVITY ISN’T LIMITED
TO 9-5. NEITHER
ARE OUR PROGRAMS.
Expand your creative knowledge in one of our many
part-time offerings within the communications, arts,
design and entertainment industries.
centennialcollege.ca/story-arts-centre
LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 2021,
DISCOVER CREATIVITY AND
COMMUNITY–EVERYWHERE.
Working closely with artists and Toronto’s arts
institutions, ArtworxTO will kick off the new 10-year
Public Art Strategy, celebrate Toronto’s exceptional
public art collection and deliver major public art
projects across the city.
Photo: Tepknuset, Jordan Bennett, 2019
artworxTO.ca @CultureTOYou’re dedicated to the arts and understand the value of vibrant communities Congratulations to the 2021 Toronto Arts Foundation finalists; thank you for making this city a dynamic place to work and live! As we celebrate our cultural communities, Humber deepens our longstanding dedication to the arts through our new Cultural Hub, a transformative new canvas for creators, located in Toronto’s west end. There is a story to be told here: humber.ca/culturalhub
BUILDING
ONTARIO
@liuna183 | www.liuna183.ca
ONTARIO
CREATES
SUCCESS
© Queens printer for Ontario 2021
Toronto and Ontario produce great content
that the whole world enjoys!
ontariocreates.ca
Clockwise from top left: Behind the scenes with Schitt’s Creek, Haviah Mighty - 13th Floor, Shut Up You’re Pretty by
Téa Mutonji, Brazilian Wave Magazine, A.rtificial I.mmortality, and LOVE: A Puzzle Box Filled With StoriesTHE DANIELS CORPORATION
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT
THE TORONTO
ARTS FOUNDATION
AWARDS LUNCH
As an organization with arts and
culture embedded into our very DNA,
Daniels is proud to support the
Toronto Arts Foundation's efforts in
encouraging artistic excellence across
Toronto.
DanielsHomes.ca
Creative Champions Network provides free
opportunities for Toronto’s 2,000+ arts board
members to come together, share experiences, and learn
from leading experts about the art of good governance.
Online workshops and seminars
Networking opportunities
Curated resources and shared learning
Join us today:
#TOArtsCCNCOVID-19 RESPONSE
EFFORT INITIATIVES
“I don’t think that many of us Thanks to donors, sponsors and community
realize how much of the arts we partners, Toronto Arts Foundation continues
to work to strengthen Toronto’s artists and arts
miss until they are gone, like what’s
organizations through innovative initiatives during
happening right now as many the pandemic.
venues are temporarily closed
due to COVID-19. Toronto Arts Through our Mentorship Program, we match
Foundation really came through. artists with experienced peer professionals for
virtual one-on-one online consultation sessions,
At the beginning of the pandemic,
providing training, encouragement and
Toronto Arts Foundation found fellowship during this difficult and financially
a way to redeploy funds and devastating time.
fundraise to the tune of almost a
Our new webinar series will bring focus
million dollars to support artists.”
to issues of accessibility for Arts in Public
- Mayor John Tory, Space and find ways to address some of these
The Mayor’s Evening for the Arts, challenges. This new series will help artists
December 2020 develop, plan and execute successful, safe and
accessible arts events.
Arts in the Parks has continued to bring
online performances and arts activations,
while providing advice and tools to artists to
encourage people to experience art safely in
their local green space with neighbours, friends
and family.
34 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION Arts Chats, a new series created in response As the city first shut down in March 2020,
to research conducted on the impact of our donors and partners sprang into action to
COVID-19 on the arts community, brought help us launch the TOArtist COVID-19 Relief
together virtually a diverse array of speakers Fund, which provided immediate relief to
from a variety of disciplines to discuss important 982 artists thrown out of work before CERB
topics including the shift to digital programs, came to their aid. Shortly thereafter, the Hal
metrics of success, technology after COVID-19, Jackman Foundation came forward with an
and the future for established artists. incredible donation of $1M which Toronto
Arts Foundation helped distribute to 80 small
Together with partners Ryerson University’s and mid-sized charitable arts organizations.
School of Creative Industries and Toronto
Arts Council we created extensive resources As we now shift to preparing for recovery, we
for performing arts organizations to ensure are thankful you have joined us on our mission
the safe reopening of their venues. Lights-On and share our vision of connecting every
Venue Reopening Guide is now an approved neighbourhood to the transformative benefits of
resource for the Safe Travels Stamp from the the arts.
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.
With your help, Toronto Arts Foundation will
There remains an urgent need for Research, continue to diligently work to ensure that Toronto’s
Advocacy and Information Sharing during reopening is a renaissance of access, creativity and
the pandemic. This year we partnered with connection.
Nordicity, Canada Council for the Arts,
Department of Canadian Heritage, Ontario
Trillium Foundation, Mass Culture and Toronto’s
Local Arts Service Organizations to work on new
initiatives, research projects and advocacy.
Visit our website to discover how you can
support these important initiativesTHANK YOU
TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION AWARD SPONSORS
Bulmash-Siegel Foundation, Diana Bennett & Spencer Lanthier, Cheryl & Manuel Buchwald,
Martha Burns, Neera Chopra, Susan Crocker C.M. & John Hunkin, Arthur Dalfen,
John & Raphaela Dunlap, Jim Fleck, Sandra & Jim Pitblado.
SPECIAL THANKS
Christy DiFelice, Blair Francey, Sarah Miller-Garvin, Hasanika Mediwake, Liza Mattimore
TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION MAJOR PARTNERS
36 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATIONMAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH TABLE HOST SPONSORS
Neera Chopra, Susan Crocker & John Hunkin, Maureen & Victor Dodig,
Donald K. Johnson, O.C., John & Kay McKellar, Richard Paquet.
MEDIA PARTNERS
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 37FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION
CREATIVE CITY CIRCLE Paul Cohen Robert M. Aitken
$10,000+ Hristivoje Cvetkovic Leen Al Zaibak
Anonymous Senator Donna Dasko David Alexander
The Azrieli Foundation/La Fondation Azrieli Meaghan Davis † Amina Alfred
John & Anne Brace Toronto Bengali Drama Group Neil Allen
Cheryl & Manuel Buchwald Atom Egoyan & Arsinée Khanjian MPP Jill Andrew
Martha Burns † Enterprise Holdings Foundation Heather Annis
Susan Crocker, C.M. & John Hunkin † Barbara Fischer Elizabeth Asselstine
The Donner Canadian Foundation Leslie Francombe & Victor Ertmanis * † Susan Astington
Saturday Industries Limited Patricia Francombe † Aaron Atcheson
Hal Jackman Foundation Kevin & Roger Garland Aviva Canada
Hermes Canada Dina Graser & Lee Smolin Joel Babcock
HXOUSE Michael Herrera Dr. Darius Bagli, in honour of Shiraz
Donald K. Johnson O.C., LL.D. Hogg, Shain & Scheck Professional Corporation Lucas Bailey
Martha L.A. McCain Claire Hopkinson & Victor Fritz * † Patty Barclay, in honour of my cats Puska and
Frances & Tim Price Barry & Cathy Joslin † Sophie
RBC Foundation † Zoe Klein Curtis Barlow
Slaight Family Foundation Councillor Cynthia Lai Linda Barnett
Toronto Foundation Nancy Lang, in honour of Jen Harold Barnett
Valleyview Artist Retreat Zun Lee Christine Bates
Megan Ellen MacDonald Joan Beaton, in honour of Ken Murphy
Judy & Wil Matthews John Beckwith †
$5,000 – $9,999 Alex McLeod Denise Beidelman Nash
Anonymous Don & Jane Moffat Annie Bell
Diana Bennett & Spencer Lanthier Karen Moffat † Sara Belmont
Neera & Deepak Chopra Dr. Mary Pedersen, in memory of Ray Bennett
Mark A. Cote Marion Pedersen Charles Bierk
Maureen & Victor Dodig Michael & Honor de Pencier † Marni Binder
Jim Fleck † Jeffrey Rosenthal, in honour of The Toronto Rachel Birnberg
Margaret McCain, CC, ONB Improv Comedy Community Jill Black
The McDonald Family Lori Ryerson Ann Black
Richard Paquet & Elizabeth Pizzinato Cornelia Schuh & Michiel Horn Cheryl Blackman
Sandra & Jim Pitblado † Kathleen Sharpe † Nina Boccia
Robyn Small & Neil Chander Bulmash - Siegel Foundation Thomas Bogart
Susan Wortzman Josée Sigouin Joseph Borowiec
Dr. Bernie Silverman Joan Bosworth
Anna Skorzewska Shivana Bottjer, in honour of Stories By Scott
GROUNDBREAKERS
Gillian & Paul G. Smith Michael Bourgeois & Marilyn Legge
$1,000 – $4,999
Maureen Spitz Seika Boye
Anonymous
Jonas Prince & Wayne Squibb Dianne Bradley
Margaret Atwood, C.C., O.Ont., FRSC
Jennifer & Ken Tanenbaum Jason Bragg
The late Walter M. & Lisa Balfour Bowen †
Susan Wright & John Sankey * † Rodney R Branch
David P Barrett
Deborah Barndt, in honour of all community-
Theodore Barris & Jayne Maucalay
engaged artists
Leonard Bernardo, in honour of Albert Bernardo SUPPORTERS Anna Bratt
Tamara Bernstein Up to $999 Lara Bulger, in honour of Everyone
Edward Burtynsky Anonymous (14) Kathleen Bull
Debra & Barry Campbell Adom-Krodua Acheampong Colleen Burke
Harold Chmara & Danny Hoy Miriam Adams Andrea Burstein
Janice Lewis & Mitchell Cohen Joel Adelstein † Helen Burstyn
38 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATIONThank you to our generous group of donors. Your belief in our initiatives and the transformative social and economic benefits of the arts
is deeply appreciated. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and support.
Butterfield Family Foundation † Jane Deluzio Ian GlynWilliams
Caroline Caire Jérôme Desmarais Christine Gooderham
Peter Caldwell Ruhee Dewji Mnawaate Gordon-Corbiere
Daniel Calif Sara Diamond † Lorna M. Graham
Chelsea Cameron-Fikis Gini Dickie Mimi Graham
Hugo Cantin Ian D’Mello, in honour of Ann Natasha Graham
Linda Caplan Wendy Donaldson, in honour of Scott Pietrangelo Terry Graham
Giuliana Carbone Rosemary Donegan Barbara Gray
Jacqueline Carlson Jeannette Dowson Jennifer Green & Arda Ilgazli *
Tara Carman-French Tim & Marica Doyle Scott & Krystyne Griffin †
Jane Carnwath Kathleen Doyle Mark Blattenberg
Alice Cavanagh Lynda Duckworth, in Honour of Ken Murphy Anne Grittani, in honour of Kendra Lee Grittani
Andrea Wood MD Dunn Malini Guha
Wilma Cayonne Beverly Dywan Kavita Gurm
Julia Chan E.A.C. Consulting Inc. Nadine Haddad *
Debra Chandler Bill Eadie Nicole Haddad
Michele Charest, in honour of Nina Charest Mary Eadie Martha Haldenby
Elaine Chen Melanie Egan, in honour of Craft & Design artists Sally Han
Sally Chen Sue Ennis Amanda Hancox
Carol Chin Jenny & Steve Erickson, in honour of Craig Hanson
Angie Choi, in honour of Yash & Sarah Happy Hour with Carolyn and Sequoia Doug Harris
Dimitra Chronopoulos Lisa Sparkman Venessa Harris
Bailey Chui Gino Falconi † Harley Haskett
Laurie Clark Charles Falzon Samar Hejazi
Annie Clarke Jane Farrow Leslie Helston, in honour of all the amazing
Susan Colbert Wright Catalina Fellay * visual and musical artists
Ben Coleman Mona Flip Kathleen Hemsworth
Simon Constam Sarah Fink Peter A. Herrndorf & Eva Czigler †
Peter Cook Christine Fischer Guy Barbara Hicks & Dave Till
Jane Cooper Robert Fleet Diana Hilton, in honour of all the amazing
Lindy Cowan Aviva Fleising artists in Toronto
Lee-Ann Cowan Anne Fleming Mavis Himes
Susan Coyne Liz Forsberg Deborah Holdsworth
Ruth Cr Melissa Forstner Jennifer Holmes
Shannon Craig Neil Foster Jeanne Holmes
Salvatore Crimi Steven Foster Barbara Hopkinson & Dietmar Kokemohr †
Nicole Crozier Blair Francey Stephanie Hosein
Jane Cutler Victoria Fraser Sandy Houston
Marijana Cuvalo Philippa French, in honour of artists that make Michelle Aileen Huang
David Dacks Toronto a better place to be Linda Huestis
Craig Dale Julie Frost, in honour of Barb Gormley Joy Hughes †
Dance for Everyone Danielle Gaudet Lisa Hulet
Beverley Daniels, in honour of Bernice Harper Angelina Getmanova Hunt-Griffin Family
Dave Darby Ashley Gilbert Pearce Herchenrader
Julia DaSilva Diane & Michael Gilbert Janet Hurley
Brad and Adina Davids, in honour of all the Rebecca Gimmi Maureen Hynes
Toronto dance artists! Jenny Ginder † Hypha Worker Co-operative Inc.
Richard P. Davidson Sarah Gladki * In Basements On Sundays
Douglas & Janet Davis † Randall Glenn Joanna Ivey
Steven Del Degan Caitlin Glynn-Morris Aaron James
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 39Astrid Janson Kallee Lins Mazyar Mortazavi Heather Jessiman Gregg Lintern Bita Motamedi Stephen Johnson & Wendy Warnken † Cheryl Litwack, in honour of Sonja and Katarina Muir J Johnson Perry Litwack Anne Murdock Abigail Johnson Jamie Llado Mary E. Thomas Nagel Beverley Johnston Michael Lockhart Lisa Nash, in honour of all artists in Toronto Faye Jones Alexandra Loewen * Damien Nelson Sydney Jopling Rachel Loo & Erik Benneter Alexander Ng Vida Juozaitis Jeremy Loughton Samara Nicholds Fariba Kalantari, in honour of my dad Richard Lowery Terry Nicholson Armen Karapetyan * The Lowidt Foundation Tenny Nigoghossian Carolyn Kearns Fiona Lucas Tara Noelle, in honour of Wolter Strampel Stephen Keen, in honour of George Harrison Kathy Lunan, in honour of Stella Nikola Odic Sara Kelly Kira Lussier Grace Olds Rachel Kennedy * Sallie Lyons Vicki Olds James Ker, in honour of Miki Omi Ker Winnie Ma, in honour of Isabelle Hon-Lee Heela Omarkhail Shawn Kerwin Kelly MacIntosh Jackie Omstead BJ King Rob MacKinnon & Steven Davidson Greta Onieogou, in honour of Toronto Musicians Dani Klein Craig MacPherson Ontario Arts Foundation Karen Knopf Mary Ella Magill Sandra Pagan Pam Koch Madison Maguire Oriana Pagnotta David Kochberg Hasan Makansi LeeAnn Pallett Varun Kothari Tycho Manson Brian Panhuyzen, in honour of Peter Kraiker Ekaterini Maroukis Spencer Dyer-Panhuyzen Adam Kuhn Lauren J. Mayer, in honour of accompanist and Eric Parker Stephen Kuwahara section leads of Etobicoke Centennial Choir Evalyn Parry Dana Lafarga Colleen McArton Soheil Parsa Elaine Lajeunesse Maureen & Ron McCallum Michelle Parson * † Suzy Lake † Charles McDonald Simon Partington Chloe Lamarche Ashley McDonough Andrew James Paterson Samuel Laredo Maureen Mcgarrity Elaina Pawelka Brett Ledger Frank McIntyre November Paynter Richard B. Lee Andy McKim, in honour of Bob Nasmith Kenneth Peglar Victoria Lee & Philip Hebert Hilary McLeod Cynthea Penman Claire Leighton Jean McNeil Rachel Penny, in honour of all my brilliant friends! Kristina Lemieux Deepa Mehta Susan Penwarden Peter Leon Erica Mendritzki John Pepper, in honour of Jennifer Vallance & Jana & Brad Lepp Anna Middleton, in honour of Joy makers Ken Whiteley Marilyn Lerner, in honour of Helen Lerner Michele Millard E. M. Pereira Chris Leveille, in honour of Tony Rosato Scott Miller Berry Christian Petersen Margaret Levendel-Zbar Dewi Minden Cathy Pickett Naomi Levine David K Modjeska Azadeh Pirazimian Larry Lewis, in honour of all of our creative Susan Moellers Kirsti Piironen, in honour of Jill artists in need Adam Moffatt Rui Pires Maryanna Lewyckyj Sam Mooney Saroja Polavarapu Emma Lewzey Karen Moore Paola Poletto Galli Family Melinda Moore Meredith Potter Erik Lindala Charlotte Morgan Justine Preventis Lindsay Timmons, in honour of Natassia S. Morris Jennifer Pugsley Roxanne Deans-Fitzpatrick Jerome Morse Seemi Quaiser, in honour of Nadine Haddad 40 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION
Marcel Ramagnano Michael Sinclair Hannah Villa, in honour of John Del Rosario
Natasha Ramoutar Debashis Sinha Emily Visser
Chooa Rashed JS & CH, in honour of Artists around the world Matthew Vultaggio
Lola Rasminsky C.M. Celia Smith Amy Vuong
Michelle Rayson Jerry [Gerald] Smith, in honour of Nancy Walden
L & H Reiss, in honour of Vicki Piersig Clay and Paper Theatre Gemma Barbara Walker
Eileen Reitmaier Lisa Deanne Smith Grace Caroline Walker
Lisa Rensberger Cathy Southworth Janna Walters Family, in honour of Robin Young
Alicia Richardson, in honour of my fellow artists L.Sparham Bob Walton
Alan Richardson, in honour of Olga Volkoff Karyn Spiesman Cindy Wan
Jeffrey Richstone, in Memory of Garry Bowers Talia Jade Xiao Fan Wang
Sarah Robayo Sheridan & Chris Kennedy Vicki St. Denys Emma Ward
Destinee Alicia Roberts Eleanor Stanlake Kirsten Ward
Lawlor Rochester Steele & Tomczak Rachel Warner, in honour of Jane Warner
Jaclyn Rodrigues * Alida Stevenson Christiana Webster, in honour of Aliya Hamid
Pam Roffey Nalini Stewart Peter Weinstein
Ely Rosenblum Elaine Stewart Jesse Wente
B and C Ross, in honour of The Ontario Claire St-Francois Richard Whittall
Society of Artists Jini Stolk & John Gladki † Mai Why
Cindy Rozeboom Sequoia and Carolyn K. R. Wilson
Marcee Ruby Olena Sullivan Mark Winter
Karen Ruddock, in honour of Brock Musical Jennifer Sun Debbie Wolgelerenter
Theatre and DART at Brock University Basil Tamkei, in honour of Sandra Tarantino Kevin Matthew Wong
Anthony Sargent Erdem Tasdelen Mandy Woods
Ana Sasic Carol Tator Jessica Wyman
The Savada-Stevenson Family Evelyn Tauben Irene Xie
Denise Schon Elaine & Bruce Taylor Nadia Yau
Marilyn Schulz & Roger Schulz Thatz Showbiz Theatre Project Sennah Yee
D Scott Christopher Thomas Michelle Yeung & Michael Minchella
Marcy Scott Suzanne Thorpe Alissa York
Carolyn Sealfon Dave Till Sean Young
Nichole Seechan Ellen Titus Lorna Young
Ana Serrano Allan Titus Chris Younkman, in honour of Tapestry Opera
Joseph Shabason Karen Trzaska Hersh Zeifman
Sandra Shaul Riki Turofsky Joyce & Fred Zemans, in honour of
Dan Sheehy Dr. Anne Vagi Claire Hopkinson †
Alan Sheppard Odette Valero Lilie Zendel
Peter Shepherd Zayla Garneau Marc Zwelling
Peter Shier Scott Veniot
David Shnier Antonella Vergati (* 10 years of giving or more)
Camille Simardone Gaëtane Verna & Gaétan Haché († Staff Member)
Olivier Simon-Vermot Vesnivka Choir
Recognition as of December 31, 2021. If you are interested in becoming a donor, changing your recognition, or would like more information about your
charitable donation, please contact Leslie Francombe at 416.392.6802 x214 or leslie@torontoarts.org. Toronto Arts Foundation is a registered charity.
Charitable Registration Number: 88854 7064 RR0001
THE MAYOR’S ARTS LUNCH 2021 | 41TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathleen Sharpe, Chair Neera Chopra Gillian Smith
Richard Paquet, Vice-Chair Mark Cote Gaëtane Verna
Susan Wortzman, Secretary Maureen Dodig Founding President:
Michael Herrera, CPA, CA; Treasurer Hasan Makansi the late Margo Bindhardt
John D. McKellar, C.M., Q.C Director Emeritus: Diana Bennett
Terry Nicholson Past Chair: Susan Crocker, C.M.
Caroline Robbie, ARIDO
TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION STAFF
Claire Hopkinson, M.S.M. Armen Karapetyan
Director & CEO, Finance Officer
Toronto Arts Council and Foundation Rachel Kennedy
Susan Wright Executive Assistant
Deputy Director Alexandra Loewen
Jennifer Green (parental leave) Marketing & Events Coordinator
Director of Donor Engagement Liza Mattimore
Inés Aguileta Award Program Manager
Senior Program Coordinator, Neighbourhood Arts Network Hasanika Mediwake
Angie Aranda Program Outreach Coordinator
Manager, Neighbourhood Arts Network Sumedha Mongia
Christy DiFelice Accounting Assistant
Award Program Manager Shawn Newman
Leslie Francombe Research & Impact Manager
Philanthropy & Sponsorship Manager Michelle Parson
Norma Garcia Office Manager
Digital & Education Coordinator, Neighbourhood Arts Network Jaclyn Rodrigues
Sarah Gladki (parental leave) Community Engagement Manager
Communications Manager Jini Stolk
Eva Hellreich Creative Trust Research Fellow, Creative Champions Network
Outreach & Events Coordinator, Neighbourhood Arts Network With thanks to our volunteers for their contributions to Toronto Arts Foundation’s Arts
Haroon Khalid in the Parks and the staff of Toronto Arts Council for their support and contributions
Interim Communications Manager with Award Panels and more.
42 | TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATIONYou can also read
