2017 Governor Generals Awards in Visual and Media Arts Winners Announced
Ottawa, February 15, 2017 – The Canada Council for the Arts announced today the winners of the 2017 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts.
The awards carry a $25,000 cash prize and recognize outstanding career achievement. They are funded and administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, and include categories for artistic achievement in visual and media arts, fine craft and outstanding contribution. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in Fine Crafts.
The awards ceremony and a presentation of the medallions by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada will take place at Rideau Hall on March 1 at 6 pm.
The 2017 winners are:
- Michèle Cournoyer, animation filmmaker, Montreal
- Mike Hoolboom, filmmaker, Toronto
- Shelagh Keeley, visual artist, Toronto
- Glenn Lewis, visual artist, Vancouver
- Landon Mackenzie, painter, Vancouver
- Philip Monk, curator, writer, Toronto (Outstanding Contribution Award)
- Shelley Niro, multimedia artist, Brantford, Six Nations Of The Grand River
- Pamela Ritchie, jewelry artist, Halifax (Saidye Bronfman Award)
How Canadians can learn more about this year’s winners and their work:
These men and women have made tremendous contributions to the arts and society over their rich careers. Celebrating their exceptional work in 2017, as the Council turns 60, reinforces the importance of investing in artistic creation today to grow the impact of the arts in the future.
Simon Brault, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts
Our finest artists challenge us to ask questions and to look deeper into our surroundings, to think more critically and to better appreciate beauty. I’m delighted to recognize this outstanding group of Canadian artists in this, Canada’s 150th anniversary year.
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston
About the Saidye Bronfman Award
The Saidye Bronfman Award is Canada’s foremost distinction for excellence in fine crafts. Created in 1977 by the Bronfman family to honor their mother on her 80th birthday, the prize is awarded annually to an exceptional fine craft artist. In addition, works by the winners are acquired by the Canadian Museum of History for its permanent collection.
About the Outstanding Contribution Award
The Outstanding Contribution Award is given to an individual or a group of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the visual arts (including architecture and photography), the media arts or fine craft, in a volunteer or professional capacity.
Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national public arts funder. We champion and invest in artistic excellence so that Canadians may enjoy and participate in a rich cultural life. In 2015-16 we allocated $157.4 million dollars towards artistic creation and innovation through our grants, prizes and payments. We also conduct research, convene activities and work with partners to advance the sector and help embed the arts more deeply in communities across the country. We are responsible for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO which promotes the values and programs of UNESCO to contribute to a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future for Canadians. The Canada Council Art Bank operates art rental programs and helps further public engagement with contemporary arts.
Learn more:
Media Contact
Canada Council for the Arts:
Mireille Allaire
Manager, Communications and Engagement
150 Elgin St. P.O. Box 1047
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V8
E-mail: media@canadacouncil.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-263-5533
For people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or TTY users, please use your preferred MRS (Message Relay Service) or IP service to contact us.
To arrange interviews with the winners:
To attend the event at the National Gallery on February 28th at 6 pm:
To attend the Rideau Hall Ceremony on March 1 at 6 pm: