The Audain Art Museum has been awarded the 2022 Champion of Arts & Culture Business Award at the Whistler Excellence Awards on Thursday night.
The Audain’s nomination form, submitted by Chris Vick, best captures why the Audain is a true champion of the arts: “As a community, we are truly blessed to have a facility and collection as impressive as the Audain in our resort. Not only does the Audain’s presence provide an invaluable resource to our residents and guests, but it has helped transform our destination into a globally recognized hub for arts and culture. Dr. Collins and his team have gone to great lengths to curate a collection worthy of recognition on an international stage. The impact of the Audain on Whistler’s cultural maturity and on the resort’s evolution to a multi-faceted destination cannot be overstated.”
The Whistler Champion of Arts and Culture award alternates annually – one year it recognizes an individual, the next year it recognizes an organization or business. There were a number of strong business nominees this year alongside the Audain. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and Sushi Village rounded out the top three candidates, both having contributed significantly to the support and growth of arts and culture over the years.
“The Audain Art Museum is a great choice for Champion of Arts and Culture. Not only is it a beautiful facility with an exceptional art collection, the Audain team are also dynamic arts programmers and promoters of the Whistler arts community,” said Maureen Douglas, Executive Director at Arts Whistler.
The Champion of Arts and Culture award was created by Arts Whistler in 2003 on behalf of the arts community, to recognize local businesses for their contributions to arts, culture, and heritage in Whistler. In 2014, the award was expanded to include individuals – the volunteers, cultural workers, and artists who have also made enormous contributions to our community for many years. The selection jury is comprised of members of the arts and business community. As a dedicated business champion of the arts, Whistler Real Estate Company continues to demonstrate their support of the arts community as the presenting award sponsor again this year. Past recipients of the Champion of Arts and Culture award include Dave Petko, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Stella Harvey, Joan Richoz, Mountain Life Magazine, Stephen Vogler and Ira Pettle.
For the full list of 2022 Whistler Excellence Awards nominees and winners, visit www.whistlerchamber.com/training-and-events/whistler-excellence-awards.
About Arts Whistler:
Arts Whistler is passionate about Whistler, about arts, and about making arts and culture an integral part of day-to-day life. Operating out of the Maury Young Arts Centre in the heart of Whistler Village, Arts Whistler runs a variety of creative classes, showcases an exciting lineup of live shows for Arts Whistler Live! and hosts year-round free-admission exhibits in The Gallery to support local artists and their craft. Annual events include the Whistler Children’s Festival, Anonymous Art Show & Art on the Lake. Arts Whistler creates bold, inspiring and engaging experiences and supports an arts and culture sector in Whistler that’s welcoming, accessible and collaborative.
GOT THE PICTURE?
Arts Whistler is pleased to provide high resolution photos for editorial use. Please email bsmykala@artswhistler.com.
WHO’S IN THE KNOW?
Rebecca Smykala
Marketing Team Lead
Arts Whistler
bsmykala@artswhistler.com
604.935.8236