2023 WAC Award winners Rosanna Deerchild, Shawna Dempsey, Lorri Millan, Mayor Scott Gillingham, Emily Solstice Tait, Destiny Seymour.
June 1st, 2023 — (WINNIPEG) The Winnipeg Arts Council and Mayor Scott Gillingham announced the annual Winnipeg Arts Council Awards on Thursday, June 1st 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.
"If we ever needed more proof that arts and artists were important in our lives, we got it throughout the last three years. The recovery for public and in-person participation in the arts has begun, but it will take all of us to demand that the arts flourish and continue to make Winnipeg the place we want it to be. We are honoured to recognize this outstanding group of award winners – at all stages of their careers – who have done this with artistry and determination."
- Carol A. Phillips, Executive Director, Winnipeg Arts Council
The event featured artists from across the disciplines and a crowd from the arts and business communities were treated to performances by members of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, The Little Opera Company, and Winnipeg Poet Laureate Chimwemwe Undi.
In addition to the three awards which have been staples of the event for the past 16 years, a new award for Career Achievement in the Arts was presented to Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan.
This year's honourees are
The RBC ON THE RISE Award recognizes the demonstrated promise of an emerging, professional Winnipeg artist in any discipline.
Winner: Emily Solstice Tait
Sponsored by RBC
The MAKING A MARK Award celebrates the contribution of a Winnipeg arts professional to the growth and development of the arts in any discipline in Winnipeg.
Winner: Rosanna Deerchild
Sponsored by Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D.
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: Alan Greyeyes
The CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS Award is presented in celebration of an exceptional and enduring arts practice.
Winner: Shawna Dempsey & Lorri Millan