Since 2002, the Rozsa Foundation’s Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management has recognized arts managers in Alberta. The awards were created to honour the core philanthropic values of the Rozsa Foundation’s founders, Drs. Ted and Lola Rozsa.
Every year, arts organizations across the province nominate executive managers known for steering their companies with foresight and innovation. The Rozsa Award Jury then shortlists the nominees. Award winners receive a cash prize, as well as additional professional development benefits.
The 2019 shortlisted Rozsa Award nominees for Excellence in Arts Management include:  Carol Holmes, executive director of the Writer’s Guild of Alberta, Sara Leishman, executive director of the Folk Festival Society of Calgary and Brendan Lord, executive director of Choir Alberta.
This year, the Rozsa Foundation has introduced the Rozsa Award for Excellence in Board Leadership. This new award celebrates a board chair who has shown excellence in leading the board of directors of an Alberta arts organization. The shortlisted nominees for the Rozsa Award for Excellence in Board Leadership include: Cindy Andrew, board chair at CKUA Radio Network, Wendy Dupree, board chair of the Citadel Theatre and Tara Owen, board chair of the Alberta Craft Council.
The recipient’s organization will receive a cash prize along with a number of other benefits to support their governance.
2019 Shortlist of Nominees for the Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Leadership:
Carol Holmes, Executive Director of the Writer’s Guild of Alberta
In her role as Executive Director, Carol has created new and innovative programs for the guild. She has successfully stabilized the organization while providing inspiring and productive environments for members of the Writer’s Guild of Alberta as well as organization staff.
Sara Leishman, Executive Director of Folk Festival Society of Calgary
As the initiator of Block Heater and Festival Hall, in her time as Executive Director, Sara Leishman has not only transformed the structure of the organization, turning Calgary Folk Music Festival into a year-round organization, but has also reduced the organization debt down by $300,000.
Brendan Lord, Executive Director of Choir Alberta
Brendan acts as a facilitator for many choir organizations in the province and is recognized for his ability to expand the choral network into new communities. Brendan has also created a significant strategic alliance in Alberta through his work on the Music Conference Alberta.
2019 Shortlist of Nominees for Rozsa Award for Excellence in Board Leadership:
Cindy Andrew, Board Director at CKUA Radio Network
Cindy Andrew is responsible for transformational change within the board of directors as well as the organization. Cindy’s business acumen has been highlighted as providing significant contribution toward CKUA’s continued evolution and success as one of Alberta’s oldest arts and culture institutions.
Wendy Dupree, Board Chair of Citadel Theatre
Wendy has led the Citadel Theatre to address some substantial disclosures about historical harassment and abusive behaviour of past leadership. Wendy’s engagement has led to strengthened confidence in the Citadel’s role as a leader in creating a safe and respectful space to create theatre.
Tara Owen, Board Chair of Alberta Craft Council (ACC)
Through her leadership, Tara was able to expand the Alberta Craft Council location from Edmonton to Calgary at the innovative cSPACE King Edward. Tara was responsible for replacing the ED of the organization not once but twice, as well as develop new governance processes for the organization.
The recipients of the Rozsa Awards for Excellence in Arts Management and Excellence in Board Leadership will be announced Monday, October 28th. Â We congratulate all nominees and their organizations.
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