The City of Nelson is inviting applications and nominations for its 2018 Cultural Ambassador and for its annual Sustainability Leadership Awards. Both will be presented at the city’s annual reception in December.
Cultural Ambassador
Each year the award is given to an artist in a specific discipline. This year the city is seeking applications and nominations for professionals, either individuals or groups, working in the field of dance. Preference will be given to those who will be performing outside of the city limits, in addition to within Nelson.
“The Cultural Ambassador program is entering its tenth year, and the response we’ve had from the community has been tremendous,” says Sydney Black, chair of the city’s Cultural Development Committee.
“The roster of talented professionals we’ve had representing our city is impressive: writer Eileen Delehanty Pearkes (2017’s ambassador), visual artist Ian Johnston, musician Bessie Wapp, filmmaker Amy Bohigian, actor Lucas Myers, dancer Hiromoto Ida, author Anne DeGrace, fibre artist Angelika Werth, and the Corazón Youth Choir. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the city to recognize and reward the exceptional talent we have here.”
The award comes with a $1000 honorarium.
The Cultural Ambassador is expected to represent and promote the City of Nelson on their travels, increasing the visibility and cultural reputation of Nelson. In return, the Cultural Ambassador can use their official designation in their own promotional materials, programs and fundraising.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 25. Please contact Joy Barrett, the City of Nelson’s Cultural Development Officer at cultural@nelson.ca for an application/nomination form or for further information.
Sustainability Leadership Awards
The annual Sustainability Leadership Awards awards, inaugurated by the previous city council, recognize individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that demonstrate leadership in moving Nelson towards its vision of being a prosperous and resilient community. The award program encourages development of environmentally and economically sustainable business and volunteer practices.
Individuals can nominate others or themselves. Nominations will be judged on these five criteria:
• Cultural strength — celebrating and embracing our history and our diversity through using our many arts, traditions heritage and recreation assets to enrich the quality of life for all citizens.
• Healthy neighbourhoods — safe, welcoming, connected place with meaningful opportunities to interact with neighbours of all ages and income levels.
• Robust ecosystems — ensuring natural systems are flourishing in Nelson.
• Prosperity — fostering a diverse, value-added economy that provides meaningful employment opportunities and supports healthy and affordable lifestyles.
• Resiliency — maintaining and enhancing the economic, social, ecological and cultural systems that strengthen our ability to withstand future challenges.
The three $1,150 awards will be given to an individual, a business, and a non-profit organization.
Last year’s winners were Avery DeBoer-Smith for her work as a water smart ambassador, the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Osprey Foundation.
Nominations should be submitted before Nov. 10 to sustainability@nelson.ca.
