Ottawa, March 1, 2006
The Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts, funded and administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, were created in June 1999 and presented for the first time in March 2000. The awards recognize distinguished career achievement in the visual and media arts by Canadian artists, as well as outstanding contributions to the visual and media arts through voluntarism, philanthropy, board governance, community outreach or professional activities. 2006 marks the seventh annual presentation of these prestigious awards.
Announcement of winners
The winners of the 2006 Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts will be announced on Tuesday, March 14 at 10 a.m. EST at the Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto. François Lachapelle, the Canada Council's Head of Visual Arts and David Poole, the Canada Council's Head of Media Arts will be on hand to talk about the winning artists and their work. Matthew Teitelbaum, the Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario, will also participate in the news conference.
The names of the winners, together with biographical information and downloadable images of the artists and their works, will also be posted on the Canada Council web site at www.canadacouncil.ca/prizes/ggavma at 10 a.m. EST on March 14.
To arrange interviews and/or photo opportunities with the winners, please contact Diane Chaperon-Lor at (416) 653-0849.
Awards ceremony
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will present the 2006 awards on Wednesday, March 22, at 6 p.m. in the Ballroom of Rideau Hall (the residence of the Governor General in Ottawa), One Sussex Drive. Karen Kain, Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, will also speak at the ceremony. A reception and dinner in honour of the winners will be held that evening (by invitation only).
In addition to a $15,000 prize, the winners will be presented with original artworks created by Saskatchewan wood turner Michael Hosaluk, winner of the 2005 Saidye Bronfman Award in Fine Crafts.
Media wishing to cover the ceremony should contact Lucie Brosseau at the Rideau Hall Press Office at (613) 998-0287.
Exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada will present an exhibition in celebration of the winners and their works. Media representatives are invited to attend the official opening on Thursday, March 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the National Gallery, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa.
Media wishing to preview the exhibition and interview the winners may do so on Wednesday, March 22 at 10 a.m. Please contact Alain Boisvert at (613) 990-6835 to R.S.V.P. for this media preview.
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Media contact:Donna BalkanSenior Communications Manager1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4134Email this contactCarole BretonPublic Relations Officer1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4523Email this contact
To arrange interviews with the winners:Diane Chaperon-LorNational publicist (416) 653-0849chaperonlor@sympatico.ca