ARTIST/ARTISTIC COMPANY AWARD: Ruby Singh
Presenter: Erin Kennedy from Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.
Ruby Singh is a gifted and diverse interdisciplinary artist whose love for humanity is evident in his performances.
One presenter commented that he fluidly travels between arts business and arts performance, making him a joy to work with.
He has been performing across BC at festivals, theatres and schools for 20 years, touring from Atlin to Haida Gwaii, from Fort St John to Bella Coola opening people’s perspectives along the way.
The Nominations:
- Brendan McLeod and the Fugitives – Ridge
- Cheng2Duo
- Locarno
- PIQSIQ
- Ruby Singh
- The Wardens
- Tom and Kalissa Landa
ARTIST REPRESENTATIVE: Brent Belsher – Belsher Arts Management
Presenter: Margot Holmes, Caline Artists Int’l & Maverick Cooperative.
Brent Belsher was one of the managers and agents that had his artists back on the road with many international tours this year. He managed to make sure the tours happened – that the funding, visas, hotels, travel – and all the paperwork required was in place.
He is described as engaging, courteous, and completely passionate about the artists he represents, often hitting the road with them as Tour Manager. He has built many strong relationships with artists and presenters over many years, helping build artists’ careers and bringing companies back to loyal and supportive presenters. His efforts have helped create an appreciation for contemporary dance across BC and Canada.
The Nominations:
- Brent Belsher – Belsher Arts Management
- Cameron Smillie – Canada’s Ballet Jorgen
- Simone Orlando – Ballet Kelowna Society
- Tom Landa – Cubby Hole Artists
PRESENTER OF THE YEAR – KEY: Nadine Tremblay, Bailey Theatre/Trail & District Arts Council
Presenter: Galen Olstead, BCTC Chair/Key City Theatre
Nadine Tremblay has built an outstanding theatre venue with exciting and diverse programming in a rural town. Her programming is rich, diverse, well-considered and confident. She has educated herself on Indigenous issues and has developed strong ties within the Indigenous community and the Sinixt Confederacy.
She does not shy away from tackling complex issues in her productions and programming, which can be challenging in a small community. Nadine never hesitates to share any knowledge she has gained as a musician, theatre artist, executive, and artistic director.
The Nominations:
- Bill Usher – Kicking Horse Culture
- Galen Olstead – Key City Theatre
- Ian Case – University of Victoria, Farquhar Auditorium
- Leah Foreman – Frank Venables Theatre
- Nadine Tremblay – Bailey Theatre
PRESENTER OF THE YEAR – COMMUNITY: Colleen Brines, Quesnel Live Arts
Presenter: Erin Kennedy, Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.
Colleen is an arts advocate dedicated to ensuring the performing arts happen in her community. This year, in particular, has been challenging, with venue issues, artists’ cancellations, and replacement artists being added at the last minute. Colleen never failed to ensure that the show went on throughout these challenges! She has also ensured that the youth in her community experience the performing arts while creating increased opportunities for touring artists in the north.
She has also served on the BCTC Board for many years, during which time she has been a strong advocate for community presenters across BC.
The Nominations:
- Colleen Brines – Quesnel Live Arts
- Colleen Goodrich – Alberni Classical Concerts
- Janet Parkins and Jim Boyd – North Okanagan Community Concerts Association
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR: Nanaimo International Jazz Festival, Dirk Heydemann
Presenter: Julie Fowler, Ignite the Arts Festival, Penticton.
The Festival award winner presented a series of shows inside and outside at various locations in September 2022. They brought in excellent performers and showcased many emerging and underrepresented artists in BC.
Their Board of Directors has done the governance work needed to run a successful organization. They have a vision for what they want to do in their city building on the original Festival weekend, including community development and student education.
The Nanaimo International Jazz Festival worked closely with City and Tourism to raise the profile and drive visitation to this often-overlooked city.
The Nominations:
- Coldsnap Festival
- 2 Rivers Remix
- Kaslo Jazz Festival
- Nanaimo International Jazz Festival
- Vancouver Folk Festival