Mary Jane Lamond Receives Portia White Prize at Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala
The province celebrated achievements by its artists, awarding its most important arts and culture prize at the fifth Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala today, Oct. 29, at Halifax’s Pier 21.
Accomplished singer Mary Jane Lamond received the $18,000 Portia White prize in recognition of her efforts to preserve Gaelic culture through song.
“The world has fallen in love with Mary Jane Lamond’s unique singing voice and embraced Gaelic song in the process,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. “She deserves recognition for her talent and the passion she brings to her art.”
An independent jury of artists reviewed nominations for the Portia White Prize which promotes excellence, innovation and expression in the arts. The annual gala is hosted by the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council.
As this year’s winner, Ms. Lamond is able to name a protégé to receive a $7,000 prize. She named arts organization Comunn Féis an Eilein of Christmas Island as her protégé. The organization helps to preserve the Gaelic language through a series of summer music performances that draw visitors to the community.