RBC Emerging Artist Award announced by Council for the Arts in Ottawa

The Council for the Arts in Ottawa (CAO) is pleased to announce the establishment of the RBC Emerging Artist Award for Ottawa area artists of all disciplines. This award will recognize and encourage the achievements of Ottawa artists who are founding careers in the arts and are working towards becoming recognized professional artists while engaging with the community.

RBC welcomes the opportunity to be involved with the CAO in establishing this award. RBC is providing the $5,000 cash prize for the recipient and $1,000 each for two short listed artists.

“At RBC we believe in the power of the arts to enrich our lives and enhance our communities,” said Eugenio Mannarino, RBC Regional Vice President, Ottawa East. “We wanted to assist rising talent in Ottawa and our partnership with the Council for the Arts in Ottawa has given us the platform to do so.”

The award recipient will be announced at the CAO Arts Awards Lunch in mid-April 2010. RBC is recognized as the Founding Partner for this event. In addition to the RBC Emerging Artist Award, this occasion will also showcase the presentation of the CAO Mid-Career Award and the Victor Tolgesy Arts Award.

Drew Mandigo, President of the CAO Board of Directors says, “I'm thrilled with the possibilities presented with the CAO's new partnership with RBC. Ottawa's artistic community needs this type of recognition for its emerging artists. With the sponsorship of the RBC Emerging Artist Award and a new awards event, RBC is demonstrating a commitment to arts excellence in Ottawa.”

RBC is committed to supporting emerging artists. Currently RBC supports over 25 organizations across Canada that have programs that assist young artists, such as dancers, painters, musicians and singers, develop and progress along their career paths – from academic excellence to professional careers.

The application deadline for the RBC Emerging Artist Award is December 15, 2009 and is by nomination only. Full information can be found on the CAO Website at www.arts-ottawa.on.ca.