Sunday, December 11, 2022

Nova Scotia Talent Trust gives $48,500 in Special Awards to 18 Emerging Artists

 

11 December 2022

Talent Trust Grants $48,500 in Awards and Five Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medals at 2022 Special Awards Ceremony and Introduces New Scholarship for 2023

K'JIPUKTUK/HALIFAX, NS - The Nova Scotia Talent Trust (NSTT) recognized their 2022 scholarship and Special Award recipients in a virtual Special Awards Ceremony at 2pm on Sunday, December 11, 2022.  The online event included greetings by His Honour The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, KC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.  This year's Ceremony began with a special announcement of the five Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal recipients nominated by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust Board of Directors and concluded with the announcement of the new Anne-Marie Woods / Imani Enterprises Travel Scholarship for 2023.

 

The Nova Scotia Talent Trust Board of Directors was given the great honour of nominating five individuals to receive the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medals.  It was with great pride and gratitude they announced the recipients: Charlotte Wilson-Hammond, RCA, Timothy Matthews, KC, Janice Merritt Flemming, Ninette Babineau, and Jacqueline Steudler.  His Honour, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, extended his congratulations to these five very deserving recipients.
Charlotte Wilson-Hammond, RCA

Charlotte has been an active advocate for the Arts provincially and nationally for over 35 years.  She is a Talent Trust Lifetime Honorary Director and is a founding member of Visual Arts Nova Scotia.
Timothy C. Matthews, K.C.

Timothy's volunteer work in the Arts & Culture sector has been ongoing for over 30 years and he has held numerous positions on Arts boards and foundations.  He is a Talent Trust Honorary Lifetime Director and Trustee of the NSTT Foundation Board. 
Janice Merritt-Flemming

Janice has made significant contributions within the dance community and served on the Talent Trust Board for 23 years.
 
Ninette Babineau

Ninette mentored and inspired many artists throughout her 50 year career, and she has held leadership roles on many arts advisory groups and boards.
 
Jacqueline Steudler

Jacqueline served as the Executive Director for the Talent Trust for 11 years and was instrumental in building the organization's capacity to support emerging artists in Nova Scotia.
Maya Thompson-Hayes received the $1,500 Talent Trust Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Artistic Achievement, the NSTT’s highest honour for a student in any discipline. Maya studies Digital Animation at NSCC with a focus on 3D Animation and Modeling. 

Presented for the last time in 2022, the two 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Awards, valued at $10,000 each, will be awarded to any recipient, regardless of age, from any artistic discipline, who best exemplifies the qualities embraced by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, that of the utmost commitment, promise, exceptional technique, talent and the highest achievement of excellence, someone who demonstrates the passion and drive to become a professional Nova Scotia artist in their field of discipline. These two awards have been granted each December since 2013 and are the legacy of the 2011 Canada Games Young Artists of Excellence Program.

In 2022, the two $10,000 awards were received by Halifax choreographer and dancer Minuet Charron and pianist and composer LaLa Lee from Halifax.
Minuet Charron (Halifax), 2022 recipient of a 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award, is studying Contemporary Dance at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. 
LaLa Lee (Halifax), 2022 recipient of a 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award, is in her final year of the Artist Diploma Degree at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto. 

The Talent Trust has had a long-standing partnership with the RBC Foundation to support the scholarship program, and established the RBC Emerging Artist Award in 2013.  This $2500 award will be given to an individual who shows exceptional commitment and professional potential as an artist.  Preference will be given to emerging artists in the areas of film, visual arts and music.

In 2021, the RBC Foundation and Talent Trust proudly announced the new RBC Emerging BIPOC Artist Award. This $2500 award will be presented annually to a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour who shows exceptional commitment and professional potential as an artist. Preference will be given to emerging artists in the areas of film, visual arts and music. 
Visual artist Lucas Arab (Halifax) is the recipient of the $2,500 RBC Emerging Artist Award. Lucas studies Stage Design and Technical Theatre at the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University in Halifax. 
Composer Hsiu-Ping (Patrick) Wu (Belmont) is the recipient of the $2,500 RBC BIPOC Emerging Artist Award. Hsiu-Ping is pursuing a Graduate Degree in Composition at Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA.

The Talent Trust proudly introduces the recipients of the remaining thirteen Special Awards. Each recipient demonstrates exceptional potential to become a professional artist in their chosen field. 
Classical Opera singer Abigail Sinclair (Halifax) is the recipient of the $2000 Sheila K. Piercey Legacy Award in voice studies. Abigail is studying Classical Soprano at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. The Sheila K. Piercey Award is supported through a generous bequest by the late Sheila Piercey.
Anisa Sobhani (Dartmouth) is the recipient of the $500 Theatre Nova Scotia Award for theatre. Anisa is studying Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. The Award is supported by Theatre Nova Scotia.
Visual artist Kaya Panthier (Halifax) receives the $1,500 The Susan Wood Award in visual arts. Kaya is currently studying Fine Arts at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. The Award was made possible through generous donations by family and friends of Susan Wood and Visual Arts Nova Scotia.
Pianist Gabriel O'Brien (Halifax) is the recipient of the $8000 Dr. James Burchill Award for an organist, choral or instrumental conductor or a student of another musical instrument or voice. Gabriel is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University in Halifax. The award is supported by former Talent Trust scholarship recipient and organist Dr. James Burchill through a $220,000 bank bond donation to the NSTT Foundation.
Pianist Jenny Chen (Halifax) is the recipient of the $1,000 Peggy Corkum/Musique Royale Legacy Award.  Jenny studies piano with private instructor, Lynn Stodola.  The Award is supported by Barbara Butler, Musique Royale, and friends of Peggy Corkum.
Ballet and Contemporary dancer Stan Tonin (Windsor Junction) is the recipient of the $2,000 Robert George Jackson Award for dance. Stan is pursuing an Arts Umbrella Dance Diploma at the Vancouver Community College in Vancouver, BC. The Award is supported by Daphne Cruikshanks in memory of her late husband Robert Jackson.
Visual artist Ada Denil (Halifax) is the recipient of the $1,000 Charlotte Wilson-Hammond/Visual Arts Nova Scotia Award. Ada currently studies Fine Arts at Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design with a focus on Sculpture and Installation. The Award is supported by Charlotte Wilson-Hammond and Visual Arts Nova Scotia.
Pianist Alex (Zixuan) Yang (Bedford) is the recipient of the $1,000 Raymond Simpson Award for music. Alex studies with private instructor, Lynn Stodola. The Award is supported by the Simpson family.
Cellist Jacob MacDonald (Gatineau) is the recipient of the $1,000 Yue Lih and Marion Kuo Award for exceptional commitment and potential in music as an instrumentalist. Jacob is pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Music Performance at the University of Ottawa in Ontario. The Award is supported by Marion Kuo and Earl Wadden.
Ballet and Contemporary dancer Katrina Ouellette (Middle Sackville) is the recipient of the $1,000 Janice Merritt Flemming Award and is currently studying at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Award is supported by the Flemming family.
Opera singer Nicole Ross (Lyons Brook) is the recipient of the $1,000 Talent Trust's Portia White Award for voice. Nicole was accepted for an Artist in Residency period at the Lunenburg Academy for Music Performance. The Award is supported by the Music-in-Medicine and Humanities-HEALS Program, Dalhousie University.
Film producer Caroline MacKeen (Windsor Junction) is the recipient of the $1,000 Shelagh Mackenzie Award for film. Caroline studies Film Production at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. The Award is supported by Shelagh Mackenzie's friends.
Composer Hope Salmonson (Head of Chezzetcook) is the recipient of the $1,000 Kenneth Elloway Award for composition and instrumental performance. Hope is currently attending the Master of Music in Composition program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.  The Award is supported by the Elloway family.


New Scholarship for 2023
Anne-Marie Woods, aka Amani, former Talent Trust recipient for Theatre and Directing proudly announced the new Anne-Marie Woods / Imani Enterprises African Diaspora Travel Scholarship.  This scholarship will be available in 2023 and will be offered to an emerging creative of African, African-Nova Scotian, or African-Caribbean descent who is pursuing a career in spoken word, singing, or theatre arts.  More details to come in January 2023! 

In addition to the Special Awards announced today, the Nova Scotia Talent Trust offered scholarships to 48 recipients earlier this year. You can find a list of the 2022 Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship recipients below.

The NSTT’s scholarship application deadline date for Spring/Summer study is March 1, 2023. The deadline for Fall/Winter study is May 1, 2023.


About the Nova Scotia Talent Trust
Portia White's legacy represents the catalyst for the Talent Trust and its 78-year commitment to aspiring artists across the province. The Talent Trust supports talented Nova Scotian artists as they pursue their studies toward establishing professional careers in the arts.

Since 1944, the Talent Trust has provided more than $2 million to over 1,000 Nova Scotians, primarily young people, who have demonstrated talent and potential to become professional artists in theatre, dance, fine craft and design, music, circus arts, media, film, literary, and visual arts. There is no other comparable organization in the country. In 2019, the Talent Trust celebrated its 75th anniversary year featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, dance, film screenings and more.

The NSTT is supported by individual donors like Margaret and David Fountain and the 2011 Canada Games Legacy Fund, RBC Foundation, The Craig Foundation, Musique Royale, Visual Arts Nova Scotia, Theatre Nova Scotia, Debut Atlantic, immediaC, the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council, NSTT Foundation, Dalhousie Music in Medicine HEALS Program, Halifax Central Library, Cecilia Concerts, Craft Nova Scotia, Black Cultural Centre for NS, CIOE 97.5 Community Radio, and Arts Nova Scotia. NSTT is pleased to work in partnership with the province to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.


Contact:
Andrea Urquhart, Executive Director,
Nova Scotia Talent Trust
P. O. Box 575
Halifax  NS  B3J 2R7
(902) 492 6801 
director@nstalenttrust.ns.ca
nstalenttrust.ns.ca


Print quality photos upon request.

Congratulations to the Talent Trust, Nova Scotia Arts Endowment Fund, and CN Halifax Community Board Scholarship Recipients

Nova Scotia Talent Trust Scholarship Recipients 2022

Dance


NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
Aidan Vaudreuil

Lower Sackville NS ● Ballet 

Julia Barkhouse
Dartmouth NS ● Contemporary, Ballet

Minuet Charron
Halifax NS ● Contemporary, Choreography

Leya de Bruyn
Wellington NS ● Ballet

Mollie Oates-Johnson
Dartmouth NS ● Ballet

Maggie Oates-Johnson
Dartmouth NS ● Ballet 

Katrina Ouellette
Middle Sackville NS ● Ballet, Contemporary

Kadence Swinemar
Fall River NS ● Ballet, Jazz, Modern

Stan Tonin
Windsor Junction NS ● Contemporary, Ballet

Gabrielle Trudel
Timberlea NS ● Dance, Choreography


Interdisciplinary

Maya Thompson Hayes
Wolfville NS ● Animation, 3-D Modelling


Film 

NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
Caroline McKeen

Guysborough NS ● Film


Literary Arts

CN Community Fund Scholarship
Jeremy Hull

Halifax NS ● Journalism

Michelle Hebert
Halifax NS ● Creative Non-Fiction

Eileen Sanderson
Shelburne NS ● Writing, Storytelling

Melanie Hattie
Dartmouth NS ● Prose, Fiction

Rachel O'Brien
Halifax NS ● Creative Non-Fiction

Jaclyn MacNeil
Hammonds Plains NS ● Poetry, Short Prose


Music

NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
Emily O'Leary

Glace Bay NS ● Vocal Pedagogy

NS Arts Endowment Fund Scholarship
Hope Salmonson

Head of Chezzetcook ● Composition

Jenny Chen
Halifax NS ● Piano

Ella Hanson
Cape Breton NS ● Cape Breton Fiddle

Devin Huang
Halifax NS ● Piano

LaLa Lee
Halifax NS ● Solo, Chamber

Carmen Peng
Wolfville NS ● Piano

Ethan (Yuan) Peng
Halifax NS ● Piano

Nicole Ross
Lyons Brook NS ● Opera

Abigail Sinclair
Halifax NS ● Classical Voice

Austin Webster-Perks
Halifax NS ● Violin

Patrick (Hsiu-Ping) Wu
Halifax NS ● Composition

Alex (Zixuan) Yang
Bedford NS ● Piano

Gabriel O'Brien
Halifax NS ● Organ

Katya McBeth
Halifax NS ● Violin

Jacob MacDonald
Gatineau NS ● Cello

Shanice Skinner
New Glascow NS ● Voice

Shaw Nicholson
Halifax NS ● Trumpet

Lucas Goudie
Halifax NS ● Drum

Hailey Coates
Mount Uniacke NS ● Flute


Theatre

Anisa Sobhani
Dartmouth NS ● Musical Theatre

Nicole Murray
Hammonds Plains NS ● Technical Theatre


Visual Arts 
 
NS Arts Endowment Scholarship
Kaya Panthier

Halifax NS ● Visual Arts

Curtis Botham Scholarship
Ada Denil

Halifax NS ● Sculpture & Installation

Andrew Gilmour
Halifax NS ● Architecture

Jenna Marks
Dartmouth NS ● Ceramics, Pottery

Oyinda Lagunju
Halifax NS ● Computer-Aided Design

Lucas Arab
Halifax NS ● Scenic / Projection Design

Neil Kehler
Halifax NS ● Photo, Expanded Photo

TALENT TRUST COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The Nova Scotia Talent Trust recognizes the support of Arts Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the province to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.
visit our website at nstalenttrust dot ca
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Thursday, November 24, 2022

The Talent Trust Holiday Guide

The holiday season is upon us!  Pick up unique, beautiful gifts for your friends and family and support Talent Trust artists!  Check out our holiday guide below:



MUSIC


REENY SMITH : Where you at Santa? 

Reeny was a Talent Trust scholarship recipient in 2010 and 2012, and won the Portia White Award in 2010.  Check out her new holiday album here


EDWARD ENMAN / INDIA GAILEY / DAVID POTVIN: Breathe In, Breathe Out

Three Talent Trust scholarship recipients in one album!  Edward received a scholarship in 2015 & 2016, David Potvin in 2011 & 2015, and India from 2017-2020.  India also received the Yuh Lih & Marion Quo Award in 2017 and the Raymond Simpson Award in 2019.  Check out their brand new album here.





 Gina Burgess received Talent Trust scholarships in 1995, 1999, 2000 and 2007. Click here for her new solo album!











ART


LETITIA FRASER: Blue Magic Limited Edition Prints

Letitia Fraser won a Talent Trust scholarship and the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award in 2018.  She has limited edition prints for sale here, a great gift for anyone!









CHARLES L BRAIN: Master goldsmith

Before becoming an internationally renowned goldsmith, Charles Lewton Brain won Talent Trust scholarships in 1984 and 1985.  His unique style and techniques make his pieces truly stunning.  Click here to see some of his jewelry. 









JACQUELINE STEUDLER: Abstract Art

Jacqueline Steudler served as the Talent Trust Executive Director for 11 years.  She is an accomplished artist and art therapist. Jacqueline has some stunning pieces for sale at the Teichert Gallery, click here to see them.






SHAUNA MACLEOD: Black Crow Pottery

Shauna MacLeod was a Talent Trust scholarship recipient in 2008 and 2010.  Her ceramic art is beautiful and would make a great gift for anyone.  Click here to see the gorgeous pieces she has for sale. 










BOOKS



SHAUNTAY GRANT: Children's Books

Shauntay was a Talent Trust scholarship recipient in 1999.  Click here to check out her award-winning children's books that celebrate community, heritage, and Shauntay's African Nova Scotian roots.









K.R BYGGDIN: Wonder World

K.R. Byggdin received Talent Trust scholarships in 2020 and 2021.  They have just published their first novel, get your copy here!











JOHANNA SKIBSRUD: Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's books
  
Johanna Skibsrud took home Talent Trust scholarships in 2002, 2003 and 2004.  Now an acocomplished author and Giller Prize winner, her books would make a wonderful addition to any reader's collection.  Click here for her bookstore.











SHOWS


ANNE-MARIE WOODS: Why Black Women Whisper


Anne-Marie Woods received a Talent Trust scholarship in 1996 and is now a playwright, poet, and artist.  She is hosting an online, public virtual reading of her new script "Why Black Women Whisper" on December 4th.  Get your tickets here for this event!



ANDREW MACHUM and REENY SMITH: Holiday Magic


Catch this live show in support of the Dartmouth General Hospital that features two Talent Trust alumni!  Andrew was a scholarship recipient in 2014 and 2015, and took home the Chico Berardi Award both years. Reeny was a Talent Trust scholarship recipient in 2010 and 2012, and won the Portia White Award in 2010. 


REENY SMITH: Reeny Does Christmas

More from Reeny!!  Tickets to see her live show would be a fantastic gift for anyone!  Check out her live shows this December here.  


FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT


SPENCER MACKAY: Scouter Joe


One of the best parts of the holidays is spending time with family and friends.  Snuggle up with your favorite cup of cocoa (in a Black Crow Pottery mug?) and enjoy the newly released film, Scouter Joe by Spencer MacKay.  Spencer was a Talent Trust scholarship recipient and winner of the Shelagh MacKenzie award in 2021. Download or stream the film here.






TALENT TRUST MERCH!


Visit the Talent Trust Redbubble store to purchase our hoodies, t-shirts, and journals!  A perfect gift for the Talent Trust alumni or art lovers in your life!  A portion of each sale goes directly toward our scholarship program to support amazing artists like the ones featured above!  





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Will you help support scholarships for emerging artists? Check out our Raffle!

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