Ottawa, June 26, 2009 - For almost 50 years, the Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prizes have honoured the outstanding achievements of men and women who have made their mark over the course of the year in the arts and in the humanities and social sciences.
This year, the Molson Prize in the Arts was awarded to Ian Wallace, a visual artist from Vancouver. For more than 40 years, Mr. Wallace has contributed to the development of contemporary Canadian visual art, by encouraging innovation and experimentation in various arts disciplines. The Molson Prize in the Social Sciences and Humanities was awarded to Wayne Sumner, University Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. A recognized author, Mr. Sumner has, over the course of his career, helped advance research and teaching in the areas of ethics, bioethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of law.
Made possible by a $1 million endowment by the Molson Family Foundation to the Canada Council for the Arts, the Prizes aim to encourage Canadians to pursue their work in the Canadian arts and humanities sectors and to contribute to Canada's cultural and intellectual heritage. Through the role they play in our society, this year's recipients certainly inspire us by their deeds and make us proud.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate this year's Molson Prize recipients. I would also like to commend the Canada Council for the Arts on the excellent work it performs every year, in cooperation with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, in managing and awarding these prizes.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
