Vancouver Biennale receives Arts Champion Award

The awards, bestowed each year in conjunction with B.C. Arts and Culture Week, are presented by ArtsBC and ArtStarts in Schools to recognize individuals or organizations that contribute to the development and promotion of the arts in their communities.

The Vancouver Biennale was recognized for its legacy of education in the arts. “We are thrilled to publicly recognize the efforts of the Vancouver Biennale,” said Navida Nuraney, executive director of ArtStarts in Schools, in a news release. “We worked with them in partnership to present ‘BIG IDEAS’, an exhibition of student art inspired by the Vancouver Biennale’s sculptures, and have witnessed first-hand the care, attention and passion they put into their projects. They have a remarkable ability to connect and resonate with people of all ages.”

Ramsey, a 15-year member of the Gabriola Arts Council board of directors and its current president, is the chair of the Gabriola Theatre Festival and coordinator of the Isle of the Arts Festival, and is also involved in the island’s Thanksgiving Tour and the Kitty J Heller Art Therapy program.

Hossay, a mixed-media artist, is executive director of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, which provides art classes for youth and adults and a variety of drop-in programs as well as outreach work. She is also involved in the Culture and Arts in Action committee and other community initiatives.

Van Dop, publisher of the Van Dop Arts & Cultural Guide to British Columbia, launched the first B.C. Cultural Crawl in 2002, now an annual, month-long celebration of the arts in British Columbia.

"The Arts Champion in Community Award is our opportunity to give back to individuals who dedicate themselves to involving and inspiring the members of their communities,” said Sheryl McGraw, executive director of ArtsBC, in a news release.