These are the Recipients of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards
The 19th edition of the Creative Nova Scotia Awards were handed out to nine artists and two organizations last weekend. These awards aim to celebrate excellence in artistic achievement and are collectively worth a solid $75K.
These are the recipients of the 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards:
portia white prize
The Portia White Prize honours an outstanding professional Nova Scotia artist who has made a significant contribution to the province’s cultural life over their career and attained mastery and recognition in their discipline. This year it was awarded to Alan Syliboy.
Syliboy is an esteemed Mi’kmaw artist whose work is influenced by Indigenous Mi’kmaq rock drawing and quill weaving traditions. His work is inspired by the petroglyphs of his ancestors and introduces these icons to new audiences.
The Portia White Prize recipient selects an emerging artist or cultural organization as their protege or secondary recipient. Syliboy selected the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network as his recipient.
The Network supports Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and those involved in the tourism industry — artists, crafters, cultural performers, musicians, and dancers alongside Mi’kmaq Elders and cultural subject matter experts.
recognition awards
The Black Artist Recognition Award was given to Tara Taylor.
Taylor is a musical theatre playwright, director and animator from East Preston who also acts as the cultural columnist for the ArtnSoul Report on CBC Radio’s Information Morning.
The Indigenous Artist Recognition Award was accepted by Stephanie Joline.
Joline is an award-winning Indigenous writer, director, and producer based in Halifax. Her feature films include Night Blooms and the documentary, Play Your Youth.
impact and prix grand-Pre awards
The Creative Community Impact Award was received by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.
The Writers’ Federation is an arts service organization that is founded on the collaborative philosophy of writers helping writers.
The Prix Grand-Pre Award recognizes artists whose work reflects Acadian values and demonstrates excellence and originality. It was presented to Robert Deveaux.
Hailing from Cape Breton, Deveaux is a traditional fiddler, pianist and folklorist of traditional Acadian song. His latest album, “Art Populaire,” presents 11 French songs dating back to the eighteenth century in a traditional style.
established artist recognition award
The Established Artist Recognition Award was handed out to two recipients, Susanne Chui and Tim Crofts.
Chui is the Co-Artistic Director of Mocean Dance and a dancer, choreographer, and arts manager central to the contemporary dance scene in Halifax.
Crofts is a musician and pianist in Halifax known for his innovative sound and approach. He explores the capacities of the acoustic piano through extended techniques.
emerging artist award
The Emerging Artist Award was delivered to three individuals, Jack Wong, Kaashif Ghanie, and Lux Gow-Habrich.
Wong is a children’s book author and illustrator in Halifax. His books include Where You Can Swim and The Words We Share.
Ghanie is a ceramic artist who co-owns and operates the KG Ceramics Studio in Halifax.
Gow-Habrich is an multidisciplinary visual artist who blends craft, gestural, and creative community practices in their work.
Lead Photo: Arts Nova Scotia