Local artists celebrated at Mayor’s Luncheon

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This article was published 13/06/2024 (505 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sharon Bajer remembers being at the first Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts and Winnipeg Arts Council Awards 18 years ago.

“I just thought it was such an incredible idea that we could nominate each other as artists, and I think that’s why I love this event, that we are celebrating each other,” she said.

The Winnipeg actor, playwright, producer, director was among those artists fêted at this year’s awards and luncheon at the RBC Convention Centre Thursday. The Winnipeg Arts Council, the organization tasked with distributing city funding to the arts, handed out four awards recognizing excellence and creativity in the Winnipeg arts scene. Each award comes with a $5,000 prize.

Bajer received this year’s Making a Mark Award for established artists, recognizing her decades-spanning career in theatre and film — onstage, in front of the camera and behind the scenes, including as Manitoba’s first and only certified intimacy co-ordinator.

“I would never trade the past 30 years for anything else — I’m so happy that I moved here,” said the Edmonton-born Bajer.

Ekene Emeka-Maduka took home this year’s On the Rise Award for emerging artists. The Nigerian-Canadian contemporary visual artist’s works explore Blackness, identity, displacement, femininity and her Nigerian heritage, often through self-portrait.

“I think as artists, sometimes we don’t recognize how much our work changes people’s lives or makes them think deeply about the world and about the human condition,” she said. “And so, this is an encouragement for me to continue to do that. It’s an honour.”

Jennine Krauchi received the Making a Difference Award for an artist or arts professional who has contributed to the growth or development of the arts in Winnipeg. The Métis beadwork artist has dedicated her career to furthering the traditional medium by teaching hundreds of workshops, as well as through her own practice. Her work has been exhibited at WAG-Qaumajug, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the National Gallery of Canada, and has appeared on collectible Canadian Mint coins.

“It really does take the breath away. I am overwhelmed by this,” said an emotional Krauchi, who was also awarded this year’s Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction last month.

“I would like to dedicate this award to the women that came before me, those women who had done all this beautiful beadwork and were never recognized as artists.”

This year’s Career Achievement in the Arts Award, which was new last year and recognizes an exceptional and enduring arts practice, honoured Brenda Gorlick. A true multi-hyphenate, Gorlick is an actor, singer, dancer, musician, choreographer and educator, and helms the All Abilities Dance program through Manitoba Possible (formerly Society for Manitobans with Disabilities).

“I would love to share all of my gratitude to everyone who supports the arts,” said Gorlick, who accepted her award via video. “I am proud to be a Manitoban working on Treaty 1 Territory where I started my arts practice, where I continue to work today, tomorrow and for the tomorrows to come.”

Mayor Scott Gillingham addressed the audience, which was composed of artists, arts organizations, patrons, philanthropists, politicians and business owners, with a 12-minute speech highlighting the economic and cultural impact of Winnipeg’s arts community, as well as recognizing the achievements of WAC’s executive director, Carol Phillips, who announced her retirement last month.

“Your vision and your commitment have left a lasting impact on our city and our city’s cultural landscape,” he said.

Phillips was also honoured by Vonnie Von Helmolt, WAC board chair emerita, who helped arrange a “Carol Phillips Choir” to serenade the outgoing executive director.

“You, Carol, are the embodiment of all the arts awards. So thank you, Carol, for your helping Winnipeg rise to its potential, for making a mark and, most of all, for making a difference,” she said.

Phillips, who said she is not one for long goodbyes and still has four months left of a 19-year career at WAC, kept her remarks brief and to the point.

“The arts are to be cherished, protected and, not the least, well funded,” she said, to cheers and applause. “Winnipeg can do this, and it can also attend to all the other needs of the community. It can all happen at once. I know all of you will make sure that this does happen.”

jen.zoratti@winnipegfreepress.com