Thoughtful both individually and as a team, they champion initiatives that benefit the arts and act as catalysts for community development. They recognize the interdependence of strong economic, cultural, and educational sectors, and spearhead initiatives that advance these sectors collectively.

“Their dedication to the National Arts Centre is truly commendable,” shares Juniper Locilento, CEO of the NAC Foundation. “Ms. Glass, in her role as Chair of the Board of the National Arts Centre Foundation, and alongside Mr. Thorsteinson, have a long history of philanthropic contributions and fervent support. Their leadership spans the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, the National Creation Fund, and our bold campaign to raise $100 million to support a revival of the Canadian performing arts through creation, performance, training and learning.”

Collectively, they have served on more than two dozen boards and committees, including the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the National Advisory Council for the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, the Shaw Festival, the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, the University of Manitoba, Historica Canada, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, Council for Canadian American Relations, Artis-Naples, Esprit Singers, and the Douglas Family Art Centre.

“Their dedication extends far beyond financial contributions,” affirms Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D. “Thorsteinson is a respected figure in both business and community leadership. As founding Chair of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, his dedication and expertise enabled us to raise over $150 million from the private sector, paving the way for the creation of the first national museum located outside the National Capital Region. They both lead by example, embodying a tenacity that ensures projects are completed with excellence and lasting impact.”

Through their leadership, Thorsteinson and Glass demonstrate a profound commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and fostering community engagement. With each thoughtful project, they are building a better Canada for years to come.

In 1979, Henriquez, together with three women artists, opened a multi-disciplinary arts centre in Vancouver, named Arts Umbrella. From the beginning, the goal has been to make arts education accessible to every child, a core value that continues to drive Arts Umbrella’s mission today. Under Henriquez’s vision and leadership, Arts Umbrella has become one of Canada’s leading nonprofits dedicated to arts education for young people.

Henriquez is deeply committed to the community and arts sector, and passionately advocates for arts education and cultivates relationships with donors and volunteers to ignite change. As co-chair of Arts Umbrella’s New Limitless Capital Campaign (2018-2021), Henriquez championed the transformation of the former Emily Carr University of Art + Design South Building into Arts Umbrella’s new core facility. This project raised over $40 million for renovations and an operating endowment, elevating Arts Umbrella’s profile on a global stage. In April 2021, the new 72,000 square-foot home was unveiled, fulfilling Henriquez’s vision of a state-of-the-art facility for Canada’s next generation of artists.

“Carol’s vision and leadership has enabled more than 600,000 children and youth in this country to gain important life skills by engaging in high-quality arts education, such as self-confidence, problem solving, courage and empathy.” Michael J Audain, O.C. O.B.C, Chairman of The Audain Foundation.

Her commitment to partnerships that enable accessibility in arts education is at the heart of her work. Henriquez’s strategic leadership and philanthropy have spearheaded numerous fundraising initiatives and partnerships, including Splash, Arts Umbrella’s annual fundraiser, which has raised over $13 million in net proceeds to date.

Jamie Pitblado, President and CEO of The Pitblado Group, reflects that “Henriquez has devoted a lifetime to inspiring young people and the community around her, and, through her many accomplishments, has helped to change the cultural landscape of this country and set the bar for what can be accomplished through the arts.”

Henriquez has also served on the boards of many organizations including the Vancouver Art Gallery, the BC Achievement Foundation, and Stigma Free Society, among others. Her outstanding service to the arts community has garnered prestigious awards, including the Order of Canada, the Governor General’s Award, and induction into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.

“I truly believe that to touch a child’s soul and make a difference is more important than anything we may do in our lives. These young people are the promise of tomorrow. Through accomplishment, inspiration, and knowledge, they will lead the way.” – Carol Henriquez, C.M.

Under her guidance, the festival’s operating budget has tripled, staffing has expanded from two roles to twenty, and over 75 community partnerships and sponsorships have been established. Through strategic planning, McFadden has driven the development and financial stability of the festival.

With a firm belief that cultural events and activities play essential roles in the development of both an individual and a community, Carly has prioritized removing barriers to entry to foster a culture of inclusion. During her tenure, the festival has implemented safer spaces policies, barrier-free viewing platforms, mobility pathways for those with accessibility needs, and a ticketing program that removes economic barriers to participation.

“We live in a very specific arts ecology in the north”, shares artist Leela Gilday. “McFadden has managed to build bridges through her community outreach work, inclusive approach to programming, and reducing barriers for both artists and audiences.”

“It is leaders like McFadden who promote and advance the development of the arts in the North”, affirms FOTR’s Board Chair Kayla Cooper and Operations Manager Teresa Horosko. “Through her direction, the festival provides premiere performances of Canadian and International artists to our Northern community and acts as a launching pad for up-and-coming Northern artists.”

McFadden’s contributions extend beyond Folk On The Rocks. She serves on the Board of Directors for Music NWT, a non-profit music industry association dedicated to helping develop and foster music in the Northwest Territories, provides consultation for artists, actively nurtures talent and advocates for the advancement of the arts in Northern Canada.

In 2022-2023 alone, MBLL provided vital support to 379 organizations, with sponsorships surpassing $1.9 million and an exceptional contribution of 4,973 volunteer hours from MBLL employees.

As the sponsor of hundreds of community festivals, arts and cultural events, and charitable fundraising initiatives throughout the province every year, MBLL aims to enrich the lives of all Manitobans. Their commitment to the arts is longstanding, spanning decades of support for cultural institutions across Manitoba, including the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and numerous others.

MBLL has been a consistent supporter of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s Regional Tour for over 20 years.

“Working with MBLL is the true definition of partnership,” shares Camilla Holland, Executive Director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. “Their staff are engaged in the community and care deeply about each organization they support. During the tour, MBLL staff regularly head to their home communities around the province to help with load-in, announcements at the venue, and to experience the sheer joy that the Regional Tour brings to each town.”

MBLL is widely recognized across the province for its dedicated support to partnering with organizations, both onsite and online.

“Their continued positive support and engagement, sustained support through the pandemic, and a willingness to enter into multi-year agreements, provide a level of financial stability crucial for organizational decision-making – a trust that is invaluable and deeply appreciated.” – Chris Frayer, Artistic Director, Winnipeg Folk Festival.

As champions of the arts, MBLL demonstrates commitment through financial contributions, deep engagement, sincere partnerships, and significant community impact.

We Live Up Here (WLUH) is an urban arts organization in Sudbury, Ontario, formed around the idea that art can inspire, transform and help build a better community. Through the Up Here festival, they bring together muralists, musicians, and installation artists each summer to turn downtown Sudbury into an urban art gallery.

Barrydowne Paint, a family-owned paint store operating since 1981, has provided invaluable support and expertise to realize this vision.

“From our first mural in 2013, to consulting and encouraging us to paint an entire abandoned hospital in 2019 (one of the biggest murals in Canada), to thinking big for 2024, Barrydowne Paint has been onboard every step of the way”, recalls Jaymie Lathem, General Manager of We Live Up Here. “But it was never just providing supplies. Barrydowne Paint takes the time to teach us how to work with paint, shares tricks of the trade and how to deal with varying outdoor surfaces. Barrydowne Paint empowers us to be better and go bigger.”

“We acknowledge the importance of giving back to our community and getting involved”, shares Kelly Scott, General Manager of Barrydowne Paint. “Whether it’s transforming the space at a local theatre or exposing the soul of a community on a downtown wall, we believe in the ripple effect of supporting local and practicing what we preach.”

“It’s not just about beautifying spaces”, states Christian Pelletier, Board President of We Live Up Here. “It’s about storytelling and breathing life into the city’s narrative through creative placemaking. Once completed, the works created for the festival belong to the community, telling the story of our city—one that honours but evolves from the perception of a region long known but for its mining and educational industries. It sends the message that innovation and urbanity have a place here.”