Archived News Releases

November 22, 2000
PRIX MANITOBA AWARDS HONOUR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Diane McGifford will present the 2000 Prix Manitoba awards to six individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the arts in a ceremony this evening at the Legislative Building.

"Manitoba's vibrant arts community, which has evolved from the efforts and dedication of individuals such as those we will honour tonight, is an exciting part of the fabric of our province," said McGifford. "The Prix Manitoba award for the arts is our opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to creating a sustainable artistic legacy for future generations to enjoy."

Since 1994, arts contributions have been recognized with Prix Manitoba awards. Recipients will be presented with Avian Blue, a limited edition serigraph by Jackson Beardy

Six awards will be presented:

• Distinguished service category - volunteer - individual will be presented to Henry Engbrecht for his 30 years of contributions to choral music development across Manitoba and Canada. He helped establish the Manitoba Choral Association, the Foundation for Choral Music in Manitoba and the Manitoba Summer Academy in Advance Choral Conducting. Engbrecht, the director of choral studies at the University of Manitoba's School of Music, has also served with Manitoba Opera, the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
• Distinguished service category - volunteer - organization will be presented to the Selkirk District Ukrainian Dance School for its 28-year commitment to teaching and promoting the folk dances of Manitoba's Ukrainian heritage. The school consists of various staff, parents and a volunteer executive.
• Distinguished service category - vocational will be presented to Denise Desjarlais for her contributions to the development and enhancement of the arts in Leaf Rapids and Northern Manitoba. As executive director of the Leaf Rapids National Exhibition Centre, she promoted opportunities for the community to experience arts and culture and for artists to develop and showcase their talents.
• Project category will be presented to the Optimist International Band Festival for its 25 years of professional adjudication with music students across Manitoba and abroad. The annual eight-day festival attracts 13,000 band members from schools and communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, North Dakota and Minnesota. For the past five years, six Optimist Clubs of Winnipeg have run the festival that was originally sponsored by the St. James-Assiniboia Optimist Club.
• Education and communication category – individual will be presented to Brian Bailey for his 33 years as an outstanding English and drama teacher, community leader and arts volunteer in Neepawa. His contributions include promoting high academic standards, mentoring students and promoting a wide variety of arts activities such as dramatic productions, music programs and various community projects.
• Education and communication category – organization will be presented to the Manitoba Theatre Centre for its play The History of Manitoba from the Beginning of Time to the Present in 45 Minutes. The innovative play reviews facts that are both well-known and not so well-known as it presents a look at history, from Henry Hudson to Chief Peguis to Nellie McClung. Launched in the spring of 2000 the play toured rural and urban schools across Manitoba. The play was conceived and directed by Steven Schipper and written by Ross McMillan, with Julia Arkos, Sharon Bajer, Richard Hurst, Tracey McCorrister, Robb Paterson, Ellen Peterson and Ian Ross. The performers are Tracey McCorrister, Ross McMillan and Robb Paterson.

The Prix Manitoba awards recognize Manitobans who have contributed to the province in the areas of arts, heritage and recreation. The community nominates candidates and an independent jury of peers assesses all nominations.

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