For Immediate Release WINNIPEG—The Nellie McClung Foundation is opening their second annual competition/campaign for the Arts Legacy Award.
The Award recognizes a woman who is emerging in her artistic practice, or a collective of emerging women artists, whose artistic work seeks to engage with community in social justice issues. An amount of $2,000 is awarded to assist in the development of new work completed within a two-year period. The deadline for application is December 7, 2015.
This award was created in 2013 to honour the vision and advance the legacy of Nellie McClung, by recognizing the contributions women make to social justice through the arts. The Nellie McClung Foundation is working in partnership with the Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) to administer the Foundation’s Award.
MAC Executive Director Douglas Riske believes this award builds on the spirit and legacy of McClung, an author, playwright, orator, activist, suffragist and a great influencer. “This award strengthens Nellie’s legacy which continues to challenge us personally each and every day.” says Riske.
Visual artist Megan Krause became the first recipient of the award in 2014. According to Lila Goodspeed, Chair of the Nellie McClung Foundation, “Megan’s project proposal, which recognized the link between human rights and environmental justice, was both timely and challenging.”
As one of Canada’s first, and perhaps best-known feminists, Nellie McClung became a voice for the voiceless and the defender of the vulnerable. She was unique in her writing of both fiction and opinion pieces, and her speaking and campaigning efforts, in that she balanced her advocacy and sense of justice for all with an innate sense of humour.
The 2016 award ceremony will be special because it coincides with an important date in the history of McClung’s life – the 100th anniversary of Manitoba becoming the first in Canada to achieve the right to vote for women. “This is both a celebration of Nellie McClung’s legacy and the culmination of all of her creative and passionate work,” said Goodspeed. On this centennial year, the foundation will announce its next Legacy Award recipient at a Centennial Gala, to be held on January 28, 2016 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
To apply or submit a nomination, visit:
For more information, contact:
Lila Goodspeed, Chair Nellie McClung Foundation T: 204.803.1531 E: lilag@mymts.net W: www.ournellie.com//