The 2024 Creative Nova Scotia Awards are coming up

Creative Nova Scotia’s annual awards show is set for Sunday, Nov. 3, and there’s a lot to celebrate.

Hosted by JUNO-nominated reggae singer Jah’Mila, this year’s awards are being held at Pier 21 and will showcase talents from across the creative spectrum with visual art exhibits and musical performances throughout. Heist has returned for the fifth year to produce the show while musician Don Brownrigg has come on as guest programming director. The event is presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council.

This year will see a showcase and exhibit featuring Lou Sheppard, Krista Davis, Ivan Flores, Chad Comeau, Paulette Melanson and Ellen Gibling. Performances during the award show include a reading from Halifax Poet Laureate Anna Quon, a song from Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy and even a performance from Jah’Mila.

The best part is? Tickets for the event are free.

“Whoever wants to come and celebrate these artists, both the ones we are showcasing and the award winners,” says Brownrigg in an interview with The Coast. “To be able to come, and remove that barrier of a ticket price.”

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Brownrigg’s goal as programming director is to present as many disciplines of art as possible, showcasing just how well-rounded the Nova Scotia arts sphere really is.

“We hit visual arts and sound art, but we also wanted to showcase performers,” he says, referencing Jah’Mila, Quon and Syliboy, as well as the curated art exhibit.

Heist artistic director Richie Wilcox also spoke to The Coast on the importance of showing off Nova Scotia’s artists and performers.

“I think that we can take for granted the amazing world-class talent that is within our province and in our local regions,” says Wilcox. “So, this is a great way for people to be showcased and be introduced to some of the work and some of the artists that live here.”

And for the artists lucky enough to walk away with an award, there’s a significant cash prize that will go with it. Creative Nova Scotia plans to give out $75,000 to artists that night.

“Using it can just be for the necessities of life, to be able to give you energy and focus, be able to create your art, paying bills or paying debt in some situations,” says Brownrigg. “Otherwise, having that little bit of leverage of a few more bucks in your pocket that’s given to you because of your art.”

To further promote the award winners, Heist plans on producing spotlight videos for each artist with KeKeBeatz and artist Duane Jones hosting. These will be posted throughout the year. The award winners will also get a spot on Jones’ podcast, Art Pays Me.

“It’s a really great way for more people in the province to get to know these artists,” says Wilcox, “and also gain more insight into their process and work.”

The awards

There are seven categories for awards this year, all of which celebrate achievements in the arts. The awards, as well as some of the winners, are as follows:

The Creative Community Impact Award, given to an artist or organization who has worked to benefit their community through artistic means.
Prix Grand-Pré, given to an artist whose work reflects Acadian cultural values.
Established Artist Award, given to selected artists who are recognized artists in Nova Scotia who continue to make great contributions to their artistic space. This year’s winners are dancer Susanne Chui and pianist Tim Crofts.
Emerging Artist Award, given to artists who are in the early stages of their careers and have presented their works publicly after completing specializing training. The winners this year are children’s book author and illustrator Jack Wong, ceramic artist Kaashif Ghanie and interdisciplinary visual artist Lux Gow-Habrich.
The Indigenous Artist Award, going to filmmaker Stephanie Joline.
The Black Artist Recognition Award, going to columnist, musical theatre playwright and animator Tara Taylor.
The Portia White Prize, an award given out to a professional Nova Scotian artist who has become a master of their discipline and has made significant contributions to the province’s culture over their career.