Nominations are trickling in for the 2019 St. Albert Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts. However, the organizing committee needs more – many more nominations from a variety of different corners.
In a strategic change, the nomination categories have been pared down to six.
“We always look at the nomination categories, what is well-subscribed and what isn’t, and we try to create efficiencies,” said Tamsin Brooks, community cultural co-ordinator.
The returning categories are Youth Artist, Emerging Artist, Established Artists, Excellence in Arts Teaching and Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.
The former Community Arts Group and Arts Leadership Awards have been blended into Arts Champion.
“What I like about Arts Champion is it takes into account volunteers. We have volunteers that have been with us for 20-plus years and they should be given recognition. I hope people will also nominate more volunteers, businesses and philanthropists,” Brooks noted.
Individuals are permitted to nominate themselves. However, people perfectly placed to nominate artists and supporters of the arts are local guilds, art schools, performance groups, past nominees and past winners.
“Any category can use a push. This year we have depleted our list of names for Lifetime Achievement Award. And youth in this community do all sorts of amazing work.”
Nominating online takes less than five minutes. Nominators must fill out a short form with basic nominee information including their contribution to the arts.
“We will then contact you (nominee). We believe nobody can talk about you better than you.”
Online forms are available at https://stalbert.ca/exp/arts-culture/mayors-celebration/. Forms can also be downloaded, saved and emailed back to cultural services at [email protected].
Nomination deadline is Friday, Jan. 18.
“It’s important to recognize artists who are in active pursuit of their careers as well as artists who are doing it part time. It’s not an easy road to follow and a pat on the back feels pretty good.”
The 2019 Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts once more partners with Night of Artists for a special 10th anniversary celebration Thursday, March 21, at the Enjoy Centre.
Festivities are planned around an altered format. The art slam has been replaced by rotating entertainment and a reception prior to the award ceremony. An anniversary video will be screened and a post-show party closes the evening.
In a push to attract youth, ticket prices have dropped considerably. Early bird tickets from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 are $15 plus fees. Starting March 1, tickets jump to $25 plus fees. Call 780-459-1542, visit the Arden box office or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
