2009 Rozsa Awards

The Rozsa Awards
The prestigious Rozsa Arts Management Awards are unique in Canada. Worth over $100,000 combining professional development opportunities and a monetary prize, these annual provincial awards recognize, promote and celebrate outstanding arts administrators and their company achievements. Created in 2002, the Awards honor the philanthropic efforts of Drs. Ted and Lola Rozsa.

This year, the Rozsa Arts Management Awards reception will usher in Alberta Art Days. “From Back Stage to Centre Stage”, the 2009 Rozsa recipients will be announced at a private reception Wednesday, September 16 at the Jack Singer foyer of the EPCOR Performing Arts Centre in Calgary.

2009 Nominees

Lindsay Dann
Lindsay Dannis both the Founding Director and Executive Producer of Globalfest based in Calgary. Lindsay successfully united the Fireworks Festival Society with the International Avenue Arts and Culture Centre to create the annual multi-ethnic cultural and artistic GlobalFest celebration which attracts an audience of 100,000 people. The participation of 100 community associations and numerous volunteers is further evidence of strong community engagement Lindsay has created a detailed volunteer training program entitled Youth Leaders of Tomorrow designed to offer career building experience. In 2008, GlobalFest completed the development of a rigorous five year business plan, and eliminated the Festival debt. Given the size of the Festival, Lindsay has established a strong partnership with Tourism Calgary which has resulted in effective marketing strategies.

Gerard Gibbs
Gerard Gibbshas been the General/Executive Director of the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod since 2002. An accomplished professional musician (oboe), Gerard obtained new and significant funding for the Theatre, and has been particularly outstanding in the development of key partnerships and community engagements programs that have increased both the volume and the professional level of artistic programming offered by the company. The annual Windy Mountain Music Festival regularly commissions new classical works, some of which have been subsequently performed in Europe. Classical music students are mentored through programs such as the annual Project Muse and the Gateway Project; University of Lethbridge drama students run the annual Empress Threatre Summer Programs for local youth and the general public.; and local teenagers are engaged as ushers at the Empress Theatre throughout the year.

Todd Janes
Todd Janeshas been the Executive Directorof Latitude 53 Contemporary Visual Culture in Edmonton for thirteen years and has built strong and loyal public support for innovative and provocative art. He initiated Canada’s only annual performance art festival, Visualeyes, that features time-based and performance art where many artists who usually work in isolation have the opportunity to present their work. The festival’s “interventionist” performances by local and international artists take place in public spaces where they engage audiences and add to the continuous exploration of the relationship between audience and artist. Todd’s consistent focus on artistic and cultural research and development within diverse communities has provided significant support to Canadian and international artists.

Ann Lewis-Luppino
Ann Lewis-Luppinohas been the President and CEO of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for the past three years, and assumed leadership there when the organization was experiencing a volatile financial position. Since then Ann has steered it towards a sustainable operation. For the CPO, audience numbers have grown dramatically including a record 27 sold out performances, partnerships with other arts organizations have expanded, a second performance venue has been added to the regular season and a new music festival has been introduced. Significantly, staff turn-over has been greatly reduced, musician morale and contract relations are positive, the transition to new Assistant and Choral Directors was smooth, and the CPO Chorus has become more professional. The creation of new children’s repertoire was a wonderful opportunity for artistic development, and the “Pillow Talk” program at many suburban libraries is a fine example of community engagement.

Tom McFall
Tom McFallbecame the Executive Director and Curatorof the Alberta Craft Council ten years ago when it was facing a looming deficit, the rapid succession of a number of Directors and the falling off of the most senior and professional artist members. He eliminated the debt, re-engaged members, revamped their national magazine and moved operations to a more profitable and accessible venue in downtown Edmonton with the search for a Calgary building on-going. Strategic planning has become a key component of Board work under Tom’s tenure and his goal to gain recognition for fine crafts as a serious, relevant and professional art form has become a reality. Under Tom’s leadership, The Alberta Craft Council has presented an exhibit at the Smithsonian 2007, and many professional Alberta fine crafters are now exhibiting internationally. Tom heads one of Canada’s largest craft councils, and in this capacity he consistently promotes and nurtures member artists and groups such as the Bees Studio that has become an destination for international curators.

Suzanne Mott
Suzanne Mott worked at Vertigo Theatre as a consultant during the construction of new venue, then as founder of the Y Stage theatre for young children, and since 2004 in the capacity of General Manager. She has retired the deficit, increased ticket sales and operations revenues, and created both an equipment and an endowment fund. Significantly, she oversaw the successful transition of the theatre to full professional status that is able to offer competitive salaries to technicians and stage workers. She has mentored a new Y Stage Producer as this program has grown to include strategic alliances with local school boards and continues to provide a unique touring experience for children. Suzanne has led the development of policies for Board and staff, and ensured that appropriate learning opportunities are available for both groups.

Mary Phillips-Rickey
Mary Phillips-Rickey is a professional Chartered Accountant and educator who has been the General Manager of Edmonton Operasince 2003. During her tenure, she retired the accumulated deficit, increased subscription sales, obtained targeted grants, and increased the company endowment fund. This strong financial position has allowed the company’s first international tour, with a second tour planned for this year. Mary encourages her staff to participate fully in the community and to pursue professional development opportunities. As a result, Mary’s most innovative strategy has been the development of key third party relationships to maintain company memory.

Penny Ritco
Penny Ritco, Executive Director, joined the Citadel Theatrein 2003 in a co-leadership role with Artistic Director, Bob Baker, having spent twenty years in arts management and film development. Under her guidance, The Citadel is acknowledged as one of Canada’s major theatre companies and pre-eminent performing arts facilities. Penny has implemented a professional Theatre Program for emerging artists, a Theatre School for students, and a commitment to the production of two new plays each season- a risky and unnecessary goal for an established company. The facility is widely used by community groups and has increased profile through a partnership with the CBC. The financial position of the company is strong. Penny innovatively restructured the box office, front of house and rentals department into a Guest services unit of 27 permanent staff and 100 volunteers who contribute efficiently and effectively to the client experience at The Citadel.

Shelley Switzer
Shelley Switzer took over from the International Street Performers Festival creator and manager in 2000. In the past nine years she has solidified and expanded Festival programming and funding. In order to attract high caliber international performers, she has developed programming partnerships with four other Alberta festivals so that the artists are guaranteed a month of work in the province. Of all the various programs new to the Festival, the year-round Comedy Cares initiative is perhaps the most significant. This hospital and care facility visitation program puts a smile on the faces of those who need it most.

The Jury
Janice Florence
Vern Jones
Ruth Kelly
Bob McPhee
Lisa Mansell
Brenda-Ann Marks
Les Siemieniuk
Duncan Sinclair
The Rozsa Award Director, Brenda-Ann Marks, serves as the jury chair. Other jury members include two of the past recipients of the Rozsa Award, individuals chosen by the Rozsa Award partners, and other outstanding business leaders.

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2009 Rozsa Awards

by Calgary Arts Development on Sep 04, 2009

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2009 Rozsa Awards — Presentation Transcript