Statement by the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of the Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts

OTTAWA, March 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Eight exceptionally talented artists from Canada's cultural scene have been recognized at the Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts.

Created in 1999 by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Governor General, these awards are presented to Canadian artists who demonstrate excellence and creativity in various disciplines.

Our government knows that the arts and culture are important drivers of economic growth, create jobs and are a source of wealth for our communities. The arts and culture industry in Canada generates close to $50 billion in economic activity and employs more than 630,000 people.

Individuals and organizations dedicated to the arts are behind the cultural and economic development of our communities and enrich the quality of life of all Canadians. It is therefore with great pleasure that I congratulate the 2014 winners:

Kim Adams, sculptor
Max Dean, multidisciplinary visual artist
Raymond Gervais, performance and installation artist
Angela Grauerholz, photographer/visual artist
Jayce Salloum, media artist
Carol Wainio, painter
Sandra Brownlee, weaver/notebook keeper (Saidye Bronfman Award)
Brydon Smith, curator (Outstanding contribution)

Thanks to the dedication of artists such as these, Canada's creative genius shines not only here, but around the globe. I also want to take this opportunity to commend the Canada Council for the Arts, which presents these prestigious awards annually, on its excellent work.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

(media only), please contact:

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-778