Years
WAC Arts Awards Nominations for 2014
The Winnipeg Arts Council was proud to honour the 2014 Winnipeg Arts Council Award Nominees. This year’s nominees came from a wide range of disciplines and reflected the diverse nature of the Winnipeg Arts Scene. The nominees were celebrated at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts, which took place Friday, June 6 at the Fort Garry Hotel.
This year’s luncheon was hosted by poet and novelist Chandra Mayor.
Find out more about the Mayor's Luncheon for the Arts here.
Five awards recognize excellence and creativity in, and contribution, to the arts: the RBC On the Rise Award; the Making a Mark Award; the Investors Group Making a Difference Award; the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Outstanding Volunteer Award; and the Arts Champion Award.
RBC On the Rise

![]() |
Jaime BlackJaime Black is a Métis, multidisciplinary artist whose work, namely The REDress Project, raises awareness of socio-political issues related to feminism and Aboriginal social justice. (photo credit: Jordan Thompson) Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Mentoring Artists for Women's Art. |
![]() |
Alison CampeauAlison Campeau is an accomplished young artist, passionately devoted to the creation of media artworks. She is a natural talent in front of the camera as well as behind it. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Video Pool. |
![]() |
Trish CooperTrish is a beloved performer and writer. Her play Social Studies received its premiere in 2013 at Prairie Theatre Exchange and will go on to a second production at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal next season. (photo credit: luckygirl photography) Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by PTE Playwrights Unit. |
![]() |
Faye HallA portraiture artist whose proficiency is matched by her generosity, Faye Hall donates much time and talent to worthy causes. She is an Art Expo board member and is currently illustrating a book for a Kenyan orphanage. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Amy Knight. |
![]() |
Ivan HenwoodIvan Henwood is a theatre producer, director and actor. He is passionate about the collaborative process and dedicated to creating opportunities for local artists to practise their art. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. |
![]() |
Chantel MierauChantel Mierau’s art practice spans textiles, installation, video and performance. Her innovative and unconventional use of craft materials and techniques explores the comfort/discomfort of tradition in compelling, sometimes disturbing ways. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Manitoba Craft Council. |
![]() |
Willow RectorWillow Rector is an emerging textile artist who has received significant recognition for innovative and conceptually rigorous works that combine embroidery techniques with unexpected media to address questions of identity. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Gallery 1C03 . |
![]() |
Hillary SmithHillary Smith’s sculptural ceramics explore the crossover between science and the visual arts, conflating ideas of scientific study and artistic display. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by School of Art Gallery. |
![]() |
Leonard SumnerLeonard Sumner is an Anishinabe MC/singer-songwriter/videographer from the Little Saskatchewan First Nation in the Interlake Region of Manitoba. He is truly a role model for young people in Manitoba. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by National Screen Institute. |
![]() |
James Ye ZhanJames Ye Zhan is a musician, teacher, and performer. A true rising star, James combines music and community to add colour to the cultural mosaic that is Canada. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts. |
Making a Mark
![]() |
Aganetha DyckAganetha Dyck is a Winnipeg Artist who is interested in environmental issues, specifically the power of the small. (photo credit: William Eakin) Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Winnipeg Art Gallery. |
![]() |
Ken GregoryKen Gregory is a community-minded artist who is creating innovative work that is accessible and that sparks excitement and academic dialogue. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Video Pool. |
![]() |
Doug Melnyk and Ian MozdzenDoug Melnyk and Ian Mozdzen’s provocative theatre/performance collaboration transcends their respective disciplines and careers to deliver an urgent social critique incorporating audience shock and the response of mass media. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Plug In ICA . |
![]() |
Dominique ReyDominique Rey is a multidisciplinary, francophone artist who has received national recognition for her poignant work that deals with notions of the self and other. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by School of Art Gallery. |
![]() |
Danny SchurIn the 95th anniversary year of the Winnipeg General Strike, Danny Schur continues to push the boundaries of independent musical theatre and film production in Winnipeg and Canada with Strike! Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Derek Black. |
![]() |
Lindsey WhiteLindsey White enjoys writing and recording new music, performing live and working with Winnipeg’s creative youth, and looking for new ways to make music more accessible. (photo credit: Joey Senft) Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts. |
Making a Difference

![]() |
Dr. Stephen BorysDr. Borys has transformed the Winnipeg Art Gallery into a cultural advocate, attracting new audiences, extending and creating community partnerships, and setting a higher standard for art exhibitions and programs. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Naomi Levine . |
![]() |
Brenda GorlickMulti-talented director/choreographer/performer/mentor Brenda Gorlick has been a mainstay in Winnipeg’s artistic community for more than 35 years, gaining recognition locally, nationally and internationally for her stage, screen and stadium productions. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Winnipeg Studio Theatre. |
![]() |
Laurie LamUnsung hero, writer, administrator, teacher and compassionate keeper of the flame, for 29 years Laurie Lam has been a selfless difference-maker in the Winnipeg arts community, especially for the Royal MTC. (Photo credit: Tony Nardella) Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. |
![]() |
Gary LiuAn established performing arts group, MGWPA (Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts) and its Dance Academy is best known for its yearly Chinese New Year show, presenting traditional and modern dance choreographed with Chinese motifs. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Herman Lee. |
![]() |
Wanda LunaWanda Luna is an indigenous artist who is devoted to community education and activism. She is founder of The Dream Room Project and devotes her time to helping others. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Lisa Pitura. |
![]() |
Sydney McInnisSydney McInnis is a dedicated and passionate music educator, founder of the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts, and a valued support of music and musicians in Winnipeg. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts. |
![]() |
Joanne MercierJoanne is a committed, talented and passionate arts administrator whose work is shaped by creating a festival that nurtures participants’ talent and love of music. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Winnipeg Music Festival. |
Outstanding Volunteer Award

![]() |
Karen CorneliusKaren Cornelius consistently provides a remarkable service to Video Pool and the visual art community as Chair, artist, educator, and champion of arts and culture. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Video Pool. |
![]() |
Ray HopeRay is a tireless champion for musical outreach. His efforts and initiatives have kept the Manitoba Conservatory alive and ensure that musical outreach programs continue. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts. |
![]() |
Candice MastersAs a 30-plus-year volunteer with the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Candice Masters has shown tireless dedication to helping ensure the Festival’s long-term stability and success. The show literally would not go on without Candice, the Festival Stage Manager. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Winnipeg Folk Festival. |
![]() |
David WyattInvesting 26 years into an organization, David has been the lifeblood of the REEL PRIDE film and video festival. His dedication is the reason it’s one of the oldest GLBTTQ* festivals in Canada. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Reel Pride. |
Arts Champion
![]() |
Richard IrishFor more than 25 years, Richard Irish has been a community leader through his commitment to arts and culture by volunteering, providing his expertise and philanthropy to the cultural sector. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Manitoba Opera. |
![]() |
Long & McQuadeLong & McQuade are dedicated supporters of music organizations and community events in Winnipeg and music therapy programs at children’s hospitals throughout Canada. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts. |
![]() |
Manitoba Printmakers Association (Martha Street Studio)Martha Street Studio should be commended for the effort and resources it has invested in creating a fully accessible space, making a significant contribution towards a more inclusive arts community. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Arts & Disability Network Manitoba. |
![]() |
RBC Financial GroupFor nearly three decades, RBC’s support of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet has helped positively impact, develop and nurture aspiring artists and dancers, and to enhance our communities with the performing arts. Download a high resolution picture (jpg). Nominated by Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet. |