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Meet the 2022 Business / Arts Award Recipients!


2022 Edmund C. Bovey Award Recipients

Frances and Tim Price

In recognition of their exceptional volunteerism and philanthropy in the arts, Frances and Tim Price are being honoured as the 2022 Edmond C. Bovey Awards Recipients. Dedicated, involved, and thoughtful both individually and as a team, Frances and Tim Price have demonstrated a lasting commitment to supporting and strengthening the Canadian cultural landscape. 

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Tim remains a key figure in the business community, currently serving as a director of Brookfield. He is a director of Partners Limited and Brookfield Partners Foundation, a director and Chairman of The Royal Conservatory, and he serves on the boards of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, York University Development Corporation, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation and the Shaw Festival. He was formerly Chairman of Q9 Networks Inc. and the York University Foundation, a trustee of Morguard REIT, a director of HSBC Bank Canada, Canadian Tire Corporation, Brookfield Homes Corporation Inc., Brookfield Residential Properties Inc. and Astral Media Inc. and a Governor of York University.

“Tim is a strong supporter of arts and culture in Canada, both as a volunteer leader and philanthropist, and his dedication to the Royal Conservatory is a testament to his commitment to the sector” describes Dr. Peter Simon, President and CEO of The Royal Conservatory. “Tim shares our conviction that music and the arts have a role in building a more cohesive society, improving the health and well-being of all people, and unleashing the potential of Canadians for creativity and innovation.”

Frances has played an instrumental role in identifying both the direction of, and the level of support for, their charitable donations based on a thoughtful, detailed analysis of all funding requests. As a result, the breadth of their support of cultural and artistic endeavours is extraordinary – from hospitals, to universities (York University and the Schulich Business School); from art institutions (the Art Gallery of Ontario) to music centres (Canadian Opera Company, National Youth Orchestra, The Royal Conservatory); from natural heritage enhancement initiatives (the Don River Valley Park, Toronto Botanical Garden, Evergreen Foundation, the Bentway Conservancy) to support for emerging artists (Artscape and Daniels Spectrum); from theatre (Shaw Festival, Pleiades Theatre, Crows Nest Theatre) to ballet (the National Ballet of Canada).

“When I came to the Canadian Opera Company, I was blown away by the warmth, passion, and the deep-rooted engagement of COC supporters”, shares Perryn Leech, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company. “Frances and Tim Price are the very model of how dedicated philanthropy can act as a rising tide for artists and community members alike. Their incredible generosity extends far beyond their significant financial contributions – both Frances and Tim are familiar faces at the company and across the whole city as enthusiastic arts-lovers who are selfless with their time, their counsel, and their support in any way that they can lend it. Canadian opera is flourishing, at home and internationally, because of the Prices.” 

Their generosity as a couple has been felt across the arts sector for decades. Some of their notable contributions include a $3 million gift to initiate the Andy Pringle Creative Reserve at the Shaw Festival, a $1 million transformational gift in support of the National Ballet of Canada’s
Soaring Campaign, the establishment of The Tim and Frances Price Scholarships, which provide full tuition support to two students at the RCM’s Glenn Gould School, and in 2017, along with two other couples, they launched Resounding! The Campaign for The Royal Conservatory with an unprecedented $20 million joint gift.

Edmund C. Bovey Award Partner


2022 Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award Recipient

Dr. Peter Simon
Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO

The Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award celebrates an arts leader who has spent a lifetime dedicated to building partnerships and fostering the arts in Canada. We are delighted to recognize Dr. Peter Simon as this year’s recipient.

A tireless champion of the arts nationally and internationally, Dr. Peter Simon is celebrating 31 years with The Royal Conservatory (RCM). Since beginning his tenure as president and CEO in 1991, Dr. Simon has led a dynamic transformation of the programs and facilities of The Royal Conservatory resulting in a dramatic expansion of the number of participants, earned and donated revenues, endowment funds, and scholarship support for students. 

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“Through his vision, his passion and his dedication he has taken this institution to one that garners international respect and renown” describes Kelly Peterson. “His innovative thought is matched by his boundless energy and enthusiasm for creating programs that bring quality music education to as many people as possible, throughout Canada and internationally.”

Among the programs created under his dynamic leadership is the Learning Through The Arts (LTTA). This ambitious educational initiative sought to put the arts at the centre of public education and create a systematic means by which teachers could use arts-based techniques to instruct the core curriculum and enhance the academic, social and emotional growth of students. Since its inception, more than 300,000 students in over 300 schools and communities have benefitted from this program.

The Glenn Gould School, also developed under the watchful guidance of Dr. Simon, is now one of the most outstanding performance training institutions in the world. With 130 students, many of whom are on a full scholarship program, The Glenn Gould School offers a highly enriched environment in which the development and artistic growth of each student is guided closely by teacher mentors.

Other programs launched include the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, the ARC Ensemble, and the Marilyn Thomson Early Childhood Education Centre, among others.

In 2005, Dr. Simon initiated a landmark capital project that led to the revitalization of the institution’s Bloor Street facility. A comprehensive fundraising campaign attracted private, corporate and government investments to create the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning — a hybrid facility that serves both educational and broader cultural purposes. The project included the restoration of a heritage site and serves as an anchor to the bustling cultural precinct along Bloor Street. Its centrepiece, Koerner Hall, is regarded as one of the finest concert halls in the world. To date, Koerner Hall has hosted more than 2,000 events, reaching over 1,000,000 individuals across Canada and around the globe. More than half of the concerts feature Canadian artists, with musicians from 75 countries having graced its stage. Nearly 80 non-profit arts organizations use the facility, making it a platform for a diversity of voices and an important cultural hub for Toronto and beyond.

“I have met many business leaders throughout my career”, shares Tim Price, Chair, The Royal Conservatory. “And I can say that Peter Simon is that rare breed of leader whose instincts are extraordinary, whose passion is undeniable and whose ability to bring the right combination of people together is key to his, and the RCM’s, success”.

Dr. Simon’s achievements as The Royal Conservatory’s top executive demonstrate a lifetime of advocacy for the arts, based in wide-ranging and effective programs. “From the refurbishment of the historical building on Bloor Street that required both private and public support, to the creation of Koerner Hall, The Glenn Gould School, The Taylor Academy and the newly renamed Oscar Peterson School, Peter has orchestrated something extraordinary that is nothing less than a phoenix rising from the ashes.”

Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award Partner


2022 Arnold Edinborough Award Recipient

John-Michael Erlendson

Recognizing a young business professional, 40 and under, who has demonstrated exemplary volunteer leadership in the arts, Business / Arts is thrilled to name John-Michael Erlendson as our 2022 Arnold Edinborough Award recipient.

In his career as Transformation Lead for an international software company, John-Michael specializes in business process management and strategic development. As a volunteer, he is a visionary, a force multiplier and a team leader. In his role as General Manager and President of SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival, John-Michael is dedicated to providing world-class arts, powerful arts education, and life-changing experiences to a range of audiences.

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As an original founder, “John-Michael has steered the festival from its humble roots to a well renowned, well-loved festival in a prominent position in the a capella world”, describes Craig Hartley, Director of Centauri Arts. Throughout his tenure, John-Michael has tirelessly worked to integrate all types of a cappella music, from all genres into one festival that celebrates the power of voice. He has spearheaded the vision of the festival while maintaining the financial stability of the organization.

“He’s talented, smart, intuitive and collaborative, all critical qualities in a leader. He is always aspiring for greater opportunities for his signing groups and the organizations he works with and pursues these strategically. He has built partnerships with allied arts organizations worldwide, which have resulted in putting the SING! Festival on the world stage as one of the top a cappella festivals internationally,” shares William King, Director of Strategy and Engagement for SING!. 

Patricia Silver, Co-Manager of SING! concludes that “John-Michael inspires and leads by example. No task is too big or too small. He volunteers to MC concerts and special events, set up sound systems and stages, transport artists, lead workshops, and act as a SING! Ambassador. As chair of SING! Board Meetings, John-Michael empowers board members so that every voice is heard and every opinion is counted. At age 36, this young man’s thought leadership and volunteering have made a significant difference to the cultural landscape of Canada.”

Arnold Edinborough Award Partner


2022 Corporate Champion of the Arts Award Recipient

BT/A Advertising

The Corporate Champion of the Arts Award recognizes a business that has strengthened arts and culture in Canada through its long-standing support of and commitment to the sector.

For over three decades, BT/A Advertising and its team have been relentlessly dedicated to marketing the arts and culture in Canada with extraordinary results and innovative marketing strategies that revolutionized the way performing arts, cinema and visual arts are marketed in our country.

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BT/A has worked with and continues to market Canada’s largest and most influential cultural organizations, including Culture Days, the Canadian Opera Company, TIFF, Hot Docs, Scotiabank Giller Prize, Stratford Festival, ROM, AGO, Glenn Gould Foundation, Roy Thomson Hall/Massey Hall, TD Jazz Festival, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Centre Stage, Luminato, The Creative School, the Canadian Screen Awards and others.  

“As an advertising agency and creative partner, they are deeply invested in the health and sustainability of the arts sector, and this priority informs how they operate and build relationships with individuals and organizations, truly embodying what it means to be a champion of the arts”, shares Christie Darville, Deputy General Director and Executive Director of Philanthropy & Audiences at the Canadian Opera Company. 

“BT/A was selected as ROM’s advertising agency of record in 2014 and contributed significantly to the Museum’s incredible growth over the following 5 years”, explains Judith John, Vice President of Marketing & Engagement for the ROM Governors. “BT/A’s approach – relying on its expertise in breaking through the clutter with innovative marketing activations, its unique creative approach, and a bold call-to-action coupled with strong industry partnerships – was instrumental in revitalizing the perception of ROM”.

Demonstrating innovation in sponsorship approaches, BT/A also paved the way for a rethink on forging new partnerships in arts and entertainment through the signature American Express Front of the Line Program.

Culture Days’ Sarah Illey, Shannon Bowler and Lucille Pacey conclude that “no other creative agency working within Canada can match BT/A’s record of influence, support, and commitment to the arts and culture sector. And this commitment serves as an example, signalling to others in the corporate sector the importance of supporting arts and culture.” As Canada continues its journey toward building a more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive culture, BT/A’s philosophy and commitment to its motto “Experience is Everything” will remain vital to the future of arts, entertainment, culture, and heritage.


2022 Corporate Champion of the Arts Award Recipient

Canada Goose

The Corporate Champion of the Arts Award recognizes a business that has strengthened arts and culture in Canada through its long-standing support of and commitment to the sector.

Since 2017, Canada Goose has brought meaningful art by Canadian and Inuit artists to audiences in unexpected spaces, through their Northern Art Program. Featuring narratives that primarily focus on the Arctic experience, the Canada Goose Northern Art Program aims to build community, elevate stories, and enrich guest experiences. The collection includes nearly 400 works by Canadian artists with an overall investment exceeding CAD$2million, making it the largest retail collection of Inuit art in the world. As of today, representation includes 70% Inuit and indigenous artists, with gender parity reflected therein.

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When working with Inuit and indigenous art and artists, Canada Goose aims to go beyond acquisitions, and towards projects that directly support northern art communities. For instance, Canada Goose and West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative have worked together for several years on a number of unique initiatives aimed at celebrating Kinngait (Cape Dorset) Inuit art. In addition to a robust and growing corporate acquisitions program that showcases Inuit art in venues across Canada and internationally, Canada Goose supports a commissioning program that provides Inuit creators who primarily work in drawing, print and stone sculpture, an opportunity to reimagine their practices in unique materials and in many cases on a grand scale. Through sponsorship, Canada Goose has empowered the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative to realize outreach and education initiatives, which tell the ongoing story of Inuit art production in Kinngait. According to Pauloosie Kowmageak, President of the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, “in addition to generating considerable public enthusiasm and significant media attention around Inuit creativity, these activities provide significant economic benefit to the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, its member shareholders and the Kinngait community at large.”

Canada Goose has also played an important supporting role in the film industry for over 25 years. In addition to outfitting cast and crew both on and off camera to endure long, cold shoots, Canada Goose is a proud sponsor of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Sundance Film Festival and partner of the Available Light Film Festival (ALFF) in Whitehorse.


2022 Community Impact Award Recipients

Stagehand for their partnership with Calgary’s Music Mile

The Community Impact Award celebrates an innovative partnership between a business and an arts organization, that has had a notable impact on the community.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Music Mile (a musical hub in Downtown Calgary) partnered with Stagehand to support Calgary musicians through a series of performance-focused initiatives including, Busking on the Mile, Friday Night Live and Music Mile to Go. During a period when live performances were banned or severely restricted across the globe, these programs successfully funded and supported artists across Calgary. 

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Stagehand serves the grassroots arts community by providing a web-based platform that connects artists with venues to book and promote live events. Through its unique digital infrastructure, Stagehand aims to create more opportunities for artists while improving the customer experience for businesses, making both sectors stronger and more resilient.

The success of these initiatives can be attributed to Music Mile’s embrace of technology as a means of cultivating and expanding Calgary’s vibrant arts scene. While ‘Busking on the Mile’ invited musicians to perform in non-traditional outdoor spaces such as near restaurant patios, along East Village’s riverwalk and by the entrance to both Calgary’s Central Library and YYC’s acclaimed National Music Centre; ‘Friday Night Live’ empowered live music venues to host bands/solo artists in a COVID-safe manner. And In a bid to accommodate artists virtually during the pandemic, ‘Music Mile to Go’ financed musicians to submit 15-minute performance videos which were shared virtually across several social media platforms.

With ambitions to transform 9th Ave SE and East Village in Calgary into a live music hub, Music Mile utilized Stagehand’s innovative platform to build its own digital infrastructure, allowing the hub to curate, schedule and pay artists across all three initiatives. 


Awards Celebration Presenting Partner

 

Cocktail Partner

Entertainment Partner