2024 Winnipeg Arts Council Award winners left to right: Victor Bargen on behalf of Brenda Gorlick, Sharon Bajer, Mayor Scott Gillingham, Ekene Emeka-Maduka, and Jennine Krauchi.
June 13th, 2024 — (WINNIPEG) The Winnipeg Arts Council and Mayor Scott Gillingham announced the annual Winnipeg Arts Council Awards on Thursday, June 13th at the RBC Convention Centre. Each June, the community gathers to celebrate the arts in Winnipeg and to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the arts in our city and beyond.
“Winnipeg artists achieve beyond their means, are revered across the country, and assure the city is celebrated for the arts. We need the voices, the words, the images, the sounds, all the creativity that artists generously offer, to sustain our own lives, for children to flourish and to know stories of the past and glimpses into the future. We are grateful for their work and to be able to honour them.”
Carol A. Phillips, Executive Director, Winnipeg Arts Council
Hosted by local favourite Cory Wojcik, the event featured performances from Winnipeg's Dirt Catfish Brass Band and a musical number from the brand new musical Ma Buhay! which opens at Rainbow Stage later this month. Mayor Scott Gillingham addressed the near-capacity crowd and the event also featured a tribute to longtime Winnipeg Arts Council Executive Director Carol A. Phillips, who will retire from the organization this fall after 18 years at the helm.
RBC has sponsored the On the Rise award for an emerging artist since 2012, and Vice president of Commercial Financial Services Candace Hodgins was on hand to bring greetings and present the Award. Longtime patron Gail Asper was also present to hand out a special award for Career Achievement in the Arts to dancer, choreographer and theatre pioneer Brenda Gorlick.
This year's winners are below. Use the links on the right to see all the nominees from this year, and all past years.
The RBC ON THE RISE Award recognizes the demonstrated promise of an emerging, professional Winnipeg artist in any discipline.
Winner: Ekene Emeka-Maduka
Ekene Emeka-Maduka is a Nigerian artist based in Winnipeg. Her evolving interdisciplinary practice includes visual and community-based work. Her artworks generate emotional/psychological states related to migrant experiences such as hers.
Sponsored by RBC
The MAKING A MARK Award applauds an established professional artist, in any discipline, who is receiving critical recognition for excellence in their art practice in Winnipeg and beyond.
Winner: Sharon Bajer
30 years of artistic championing artistic creation. opening the door to intimacy direction in Winnipeg, and endless life promoting endless living when we need it most!
The MAKING A DIFFERENCE Award celebrates the contribution of a Winnipeg arts professional to the growth and development of the arts in any discipline in Winnipeg.
Winner: Jennine Krauchi
Jennine Krauchi is an internationally recognized Métis beader: an artist, knowledge keeper, teacher, mentor and advocate, who has championed the shared inheritance of Métis beadwork, helping to connect its rich past to contemporary concerns and concepts.
The CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS Award is presented in celebration of an exceptional and enduring arts practice.
Winner: Brenda Gorlick
Brenda Gorlick has dedicated her entire life to the performing arts. She has created for stage, screen and stadium and has educated and elevated thousands of emerging artists.
Sponsored by Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D.