Winnipeg Arts Council

2022 Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts

CELEBRATING THE ARTS & ARTISTS WINNIPEG ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE 2022 ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS RECOGNIZING PROMISE, EXCELLENCE, CREATIVITY AND SUPPORT OF THE ARTS IN WINNIPEG

June 16th, 2022 — (WINNIPEG) The Annual Winnipeg Arts Council Awards were held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the Fort Garry Hotel as part of the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts. This marks the first time since June 2019 that we were able to gather together once more to recognize and promote the arts, artists, and partnerships that make Winnipeg a centre for cultural achievement. This year marks the 15th edition of the Awards, which were celebrated virtually in 2021, and were put on pause in 2020.

The Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts and the Winnipeg Arts Council Awards were established in 2007 to celebrate the remarkable artists who make Winnipeg their home. For the past fifteen years, it has stayed faithful to its original purpose: to remind the entire city that we have something to celebrate—accomplishment of the highest order. The event has grown to become been an integral part of the arts community calendar, an opportunity to come together as a community and recognize the good fortune we have to live in a city of such artistic talents.

The Luncheon was hosted by Jim Agapito of CBC’s Recovering Filipino podcast and featured entertainment by the Gabi Ocejo Trio and a performance by Winnipeg Poet Laureate Duncan Mercredi. Mayor Brian Bowman was present to give remarks as well as a few awards.

Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners. We are thrilled that we are not only able to celebrate this talented and diverse group of artists, but we are also able to celebrate the previous year’s winners for whom no public celebration was held. They all contribute immensely to Winnipeg’s cultural vitality and unique artistic life. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication as they continue to enrich our city.

- Carol A. Phillips, Executive Director, Winnipeg Arts Council

Three awards were presented at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts.

RBC On the Rise Award

The RBC On the Rise Award recognizes the demonstrated promise of an emerging professional artist in any discipline.

WINNER: Taylor McArthur

Taylor McArthur (Pogé hąská wašté wiyá/Hummingbird Woman) is part of building the future of Indigenous digital art practice, while centering her work in traditional knowledge and ways of being.

Nominated by National Indigenous Media Coalition.

Sponsored by RBC Emerging Artist Project.

Making a Mark Award

The Making a Mark Award applauds an established professional artist in any discipline who receives critical recognition for excellence in their art practice in Winnipeg and beyond.

WINNER: Rhayne Vermette

With the critical success of her first feature film Ste. Anne, along with recently lauded solo and group shows, filmmaker, and artist Rhayne Vermette has established herself as an internationally recognized artist who merits study, support, and celebration.

Nominated by Mentoring Artists for Women's Art.

Sponsored by Gail Asper O.C, O.M, LL.D.

Making a Difference Award

The Making a Difference Award celebrates the contribution of an artist or arts administrator to the growth and development of the arts in Winnipeg.

WINNER: Susan Lamberd

For over ten years as the volunteer chair of Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba, Susan Lamberd has successfully advocated for and provided professional opportunities to artists and patrons who identify as Deaf and/or disabled.

Nominated by Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba.

The Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts and Winnipeg Arts Council Awards 2022

All photos by Darnell Collins.