A world renowned photographer and Wallaceburg District Secondary School graduate is up for provincial award.
Larry Towell has been named one of 12 finalists for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts.
The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ontario’s arts community and its contributions to a strong, vibrant culture sector. Now in its 10th year, the program recognizes artists and arts organizations whose contributions span a significant period of time.
Towell, who lives along the Sydenham River in Dawn-Euphemia, is an author, folk musician and was the first Canadian to ever join the prestigious Magnum Photo Agency, based out of New York.
Towell’s photography work has taken him all over the world to places like El Salvador, Guatemala, the United States, with many projects on the distribution of wealth and issues of land and landlessness.
Some of his work has focused on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Mennonite migrant workers in Mexico, and a personal project on his family’s farm in southern Ontario.
Towell has performed at the Jeanne Gordon Theatre in Wallaceburg and at the former Oaks Inn.
The Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts are administered by the Ontario Arts Council and recognize exceptional achievement in professional arts disciplines.
These can include dance, music, opera, theatre, visual and media arts, literature and cultural industries (such as book and magazine publishing, digital media, film, television and sound recording), among others.
“The arts are a powerful means of personal expression — and they can also build stronger, more cohesive communities, inspire social change and contribute to the richness of life in our province,” stated Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
“There is a wealth of artistic talent across Ontario, and I am delighted these awards provide well-deserved recognition. This year’s finalists can be proud of all they have accomplished.”
Rita Davies, Ontario Arts Council, says these awards help celebrate Ontario’s extraordinary arts community.
“The partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Ontario Arts Council has honoured many outstanding artists and organizations, and this year’s finalists are dynamic additions to that list,” she stated. “Our sincere thanks to all of this year’s nominees, whose work has such a powerful impact on our communities.”
The winning artist receives $35,000 and selects an emerging artist to receive $15,000. The winning arts organization is awarded $50,000, while the remaining finalists each receive $2,000.
Finalists were selected by a jury of experts across arts and culture disciplines.
The winners will be announced on October 5 during a reception at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.
– Photo credit: Larry Towell (Facebook)
