CAO Arts Awards

Shortlist of Award Finalists

A number of businesses have offered their support for the CAO Awards program this year. Mann and Partners LLP have joined GGFL LLP in substantially increased the cash prizes associated with the CAO Mid-Career Artist Award providing a $5,000 cash prize for the CAO Mid-Career Artists Award recipient. In addition they are also providing $1,000 each to the two short listed finalists. This award was established three years ago to encourage artists who had advanced beyond the emerging stage of their careers.

Over the past few months the CAO has been working with RBC to establish the RBC Emerging Artist Award in Ottawa. They are generously providing $5,000 for the finalist and $1,000 each for the two short listed finalists. In addition to their generosity of providing cash prizes, they are also the Founding Partner for the CAO Arts Awards Lunch to take place in April 2010.

The Victor Tolgesy Arts Award was inaugurated in 1987 by the City of Ottawa and the CAO to recognize the accomplishments of residents who have contributed substantially to enriching cultural life in the city. It is named in honour of Ottawa artist Victor Tolgesy. To date, 20 individuals have received this award. In addition to a cash prize of $5,000, the recipient will receive a special bronze casting of the 1963 work by Victor Tolgesy titled "Seed and Flower".

The three finalists for each award were announced at the CAO Sweetheart Cocktail for the Arts on February 11 at Ottawa City Hall.

Victor Tolgesy Arts Award Finalists

John Koensgen - Theatre Actor, Director, Teacher and Mentor
John Sadler - Visual Artist, Teacher and Mentor
Christine Tremblay - Executive Director of Arts Ottawa East

CAO Mid-Career Artist Award Finalists

Karen Bailey - Visual Artist
Michèle Provost - Visual Artist
Michael Sasso - Music Composer, Performer and Producer

RBC Emerging Artist Award Finalists

Patrick Gauthier - Theatre Director
Jonathan Hobin - Art Director and Photographer
Andrew Morrow - Painter

The winners will be announced at the CAO Arts Awards Lunch to take place in April 2010.

A special thank you to the Ottawa Citizen who will be working with us over the next couple of months as our media partner associated with our arts awards program.