The awards celebrate the contributions of honourees and emerging artists in the categories of studio and performing arts, support of the arts, and lifetime achievement.
“This year we recognize Mayor’s Arts Awards honourees and emerging artists who have all contributed immensely to the vibrancy and global influence of our city,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Vancouver is home for so many remarkable artists and we need to honour and celebrate them, especially in this 25th year of our Public Art Program! On behalf of all Vancouverites, I extend our gratitude and congratulations to these extraordinary artists.”
Award recipients are selected for their significant contributions to their respective disciplines, as well as for leadership, innovation, and support for Vancouver’s cultural community over the course of their careers. Each honouree in the studio and performing arts categories is invited to select an emerging artist in their discipline who demonstrates the promise of the next generation.
The 2016 Mayor’s Arts Awards honourees (emerging artists indicated in parentheses) are:
Studio Arts:
Sharon Kallis (Rebecca Graham) for craft and design
Meeru Dhalwala (Arka Lwin) for culinary arts
Lorna Boschman (Sebnem Ozpeta) for film and new media
Betsy Warland (Joìniìna Kirton) for literary arts
Dana Claxton (Carlos Colín) for visual arts
Instant Coffee (Krista Belle Stewart) for public art
Jay Hamburger (Jerilynn Webster aka JB the First Lady) for community engaged art
Performing Arts:
Emily Molnar (Lexi Vajda) for dance
Jocelyn Morlock (Marina Hasselberg) for music
Jan Hodgson (Ruth Bruhn) for theatre
Support of the Arts:
Hassan and Nezhat Khosrowshahi for philanthropy
Mary Jane Morita for volunteerism
The Georgia Straight for business support
Amy Nugent for arts board member of the year
Lifetime Achievement:
Artist Gordon Smith