“We’re recognizing people that might not have had the opportunity to shine. The impact that we’re trying to have eliminate barriers and gaps in information and opportunity,” says Angie Aranda, Manager of Events and Operations for the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network. The
TELUS Newcomer Artist Award aims to address that gap, and to expose Torontonians to the newcomers who make the sounds of the city so diverse.
The award is given to a practicing artist who lives in Toronto and has moved to Canada within the last seven years. “It’s a prize specifically geared for individuals who are newcomers to Canada, who are making a positive impact on their community, both in Toronto and in their home countries. We’re really celebrating their total body of work, not just their work in Canada,” explains Aranda. In addition to the $10,000 prize, the winner will receive a mobile device from TELUS, “so that they can call internationally and continue doing their work without having to pay with their device.” The gala award ceremony is also an opportunity for both the winner and award runners-up to network with arts-community movers and shakers.
“In 2012, the TAF put together a research project, and what they noticed after talking to a lot of newcomer artists was that there was a huge gap in resources and information. Because the Neighbourhood Arts Network is able to act quickly, we decided that we wanted to work together to support newcomer artists and help them get further ahead in their career in Toronto,” says Aranda. This year's awards ceremony will be held October 15 at the TELUS headquarters.
Last year’s award went to Bruno Capinan, a Brazilian singer-songwriter. His Toronto-based work includes “Make It.” As a part of Habourfront Toronto’s China Now festival, Capinan collaborated with the Chan Brothers for an east-meets-west musical experience.
Aranda expects more than sixty applicants for this year’s prize, with submissions coming in from all areas of the arts. Aranda says the award is a chance to showcase the city’s diverse artistic excellence. “It’s really something to be celebrating. The main impact is to highlight and showcase voices and artistic expression we might not otherwise have seen.”