Twenty newcomer artists recognized through neighbourhood arts awards
Credit to Author: Ramya Ramanathan| Date: Mon, 09 Dec 2019 08:55:36 +0000
From a Bangladeshi hard-of-hearing visual artist drawn to painting due to its accessibility as a visual art form, to a Cuban writer, filmmaker and storyteller exploring themes of immigration, diaspora and motherhood, to an artist inspired by her Indian roots to modernize the traditional Bharatanatyam dance form through teaching and performance – the profiles of the 20 winners of the recently announced 2019 Neighbourhood Arts Network Awards are diverse and inspiring.
Designed to boost the careers of newcomer artists across the city, the Toronto Arts Foundation Neighbourhood Arts Network Awards – RBC Arts Access Fund and RBC Space Award – are presented to artists, cultural leaders and organizations in recognition of artistic excellence, cultural leadership and contribution to the arts.
Established in 2015 as part of Neighbourhood Arts Network’s Newcomer Artist Spotlight program, the RBC Arts Access Fund aims to address barriers newcomer artists often face, including funding to develop their work and making connections in their new home. Created this year, the RBC Space Fund directly provides the work space essential for professional artists to grow their practice and supports artists in expanding their network through the shared studio space model.
“Newcomer artists are bringing their unique energy and creativity to Toronto’s arts sector,” said Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Foundation. “….we’re thrilled to be able to support the professional development and training of these artists as they develop their practice in their vibrant new home city. We know they will continue to enrich our communities through art for many years to come.”
For complete bios of the 2019 RBC Arts Access Award recipients and RBC Space Award recipients, visit Neighbourhood Arts Network’s website here.
Canadian Immigrant Magazine will feature some of the awardees in 2020.