John Hobday Awards in Arts Management
Evlyne Laurin (left) and Gabrielle Martin (right)
Photographer(s): Alexis GR (left) and Jeremiah Hughes (right)
Winners
Evlyne Laurin
Professional Development and Renewal Award
Evlyne Laurin is the founder of Assemblage, a boutique firm dedicated to creative legacy stewardship, and an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers. With a master’s degree in contemporary art from Sotheby’s Institute (London) and over a decade of experience across public and private sectors, she helps artists, collectors and estates preserve and activate cultural value. Her work champions overlooked and under-represented legacies through strategic, collaborative and resourceful planning. Deeply committed to knowledge-sharing and systemic impact, she envisions an entity that supports artists during their lifetime and stewards multiple estates to ensure their lasting contributions to cultural heritage.
Evlyne will use the award to further her training regarding artist legacy planning and to fund her participation in the Aspen Institute 2025 Seminar on Strategy for Artist-Endowed Foundation Leaders.
To learn more about Evlyne Laurin, visit https://www.assemblage.art/.
Gabrielle Martin
Mentorship AwardGabrielle Martin is a cultural producer and arts leader with over 20 years of experience directing, managing, curating and performing live arts. Since 2021, she has served as Artistic Director of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, where she leads multidisciplinary programming, industry events and organizational growth with an equity lens. A former Cirque du Soleil aerialist and currently practicing choreographer, Gabrielle is formally educated in contemporary dance, dramaturgy, and arts management. Known for her expansive vision and collaborative leadership, she has served on international juries, realized ambitious projects and championed the festival as a ritual space for social transformation.
This project is a 1-year mentorship with Judy Harquail, Canadian Association for the Performing Arts (CAPACOA)’s International Market Development Consultant and a member of Canadian Heritage and Global Affairs Canada’s Creative Exports Advisory Table. It will focus on learning opportunities in international engagement and cultural diplomacy through networking and research activities.
To learn more about Gabrielle Martin, visit https://pushfestival.ca/.
The awards
The John Hobday Awards in Arts Management are granted to talented arts managers in professional arts organizations from Canada for professional development or mentoring purposes.
- The Professional Development and Renewal Award is granted to an outstanding arts manager wishing to take part in a short term recognized program, seminar or workshop.
- The Mentorship Award goes to an arts manager who is seeking to acquire different knowledge, experience and skills under the supervision of a mentor.
Background
These awards were established with a $1 million donation from the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Family Foundation to the Canada Council for the Arts. John Hobday made an enormous contribution to improving the work quality and professionalism of arts managers from Canada by promoting professional development and continuous training and focusing on the profession's importance for the growth and viability of the arts.
Additional information
johnhobday-prizes@canadacouncil.ca
1-800-263-5588 (toll-free) or 613-566-4414, ext. 6004
Annual competition
The next competition will be held in 2026.
Prize amount
Two awards of $10,000 each
Application-based
For the upcoming prize deadline, applications will be submitted through the online portal, opening in the summer of 2025.
The Canada Council is committed to equity in all its activities, including the administration of prizes and awards.
Accessibility
If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or a TTY user, please use your preferred MRS (Message Relay Service) or IP service to contact the Canada Council.
The Canada Council for the Arts can also receive calls from a video relay service (VRS). For more information, visit the VRS Canada website.