Winnipeg Arts Council

2023 Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts

Winnipeg Celebrates the Annual Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts

June 1st, 2023 — (WINNIPEG) 

Mayor Scott Gillingham gave his first address to the Winnipeg Arts Community Thursday as the community gathered at the RBC Convention Centre for the annual Mayor's Luncheon for the Arts. 

The Mayor’s Luncheon, along with the Winnipeg Arts Council Awards, was established in 2007 to celebrate the remarkable artists who make Winnipeg their home. 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.

With performances from members of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra as well as The Little Opera Company, and a poem by Winnipeg Poet Laureate Chimwemwe Undi, the event was a fantastic way to celebrate the arts in Winnipeg and kick off the summer season.  

Four 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: Emily Solstice Tait

Sponsored by RBC


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: Rosanna Deerchild

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: Alan Greyeyes


Career Achievement in the Arts Award

This award, presented for the first time in 2023, celebrates an exceptional and enduring arts practice by a Winnipeg artist.

WINNER: Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan