Mayor's Lunch
The Mayor's Lunch for Arts Champions, organized by Calgary Arts Development and the Office of the Mayor, was sold out for the fifth year in a row. On March 22, 2017, 650 Calgarians from all sectors gathered in the Palomino Room at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park to recognize and celebrate the many ways that they champion the arts in our city.
The event, hosted by Dave Kelly, featured a conversation with Mayor Naheed Nenshi including a question and answer session with Calgary artists and volunteers about the gifts the arts give to individuals, groups, and the community at large. For an hour before the lunch, youth artists (under age 21) entertained attendees as part of the TELUS Youth Arts Showcase, culminating in a mass choir of 150 young voices who opened the lunch portion of the event. Pre-show performers also included young dance and music ensembles, electronic music DJs, and visual artists.
Recipients of the Cultural Leaders Legacy Artist Awards were announced through a video featuring interviews with award-winners and sponsors. Each Legacy Award winner receives a $5,000 cash prize, which is funded by a contribution from a local philanthropist or organization with equal matching money from Calgary 2012. Recipients are selected by a jury of peers. This year’s winners are:
ATB Financial Healing Through the Arts Award: Teresa Coulter
Teresa’s homegrown art has raised awareness of mental health well beyond her studio, and her first-responder network. Her work is being recognized nationally; art is a healing pathway for all.
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society New Canadian Artist Award: Stephane Nouz
Stephane Nouz is a young rapper, producer and songwriter whose impact can be seen among the youth of his generation and the elders around the local communities in Calgary.
Colin Jackson & Arlene Strom Creative Placemaking Award: Antyx Community Arts
Antyx Community Arts provides innovative and creative placemaking opportunities for children in the wider Forest Lawn community and has been vital in activating the new Forest Lawn Natural Park space.
RBC Emerging Artist Award: Benjamin Ross Hayden
Benjamin Ross Hayden is an award-winning Metis Calgarian film director/ screenwriter who obtained a theatrical release in Canada at the age of 27. His debut feature film Northlander was selected for the Perspective Canada program at the Cannes Film Festival.
SANDSTONE City Builder Award: The New Gallery
The New Gallery provides a venue and programming for artists at all junctures of their career to foster work that is both social and political in nature.
Doug & Lois Mitchell Outstanding Calgary Artist Award: Kris Demeanor
Kris is an artist who has made his home in Calgary and uses his diverse talents to entertain, educate, inspire and unite Calgarians.
Kris Demeanor also receives a residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity as the winner of the Doug & Lois Mitchell Outstanding Calgary Artist Award.
More information is available at calgaryartsdevelopment.com/mayorslunch.
Source: Calgary Arts Development
