Cape Breton University Establishes Six New Creative Arts Awards

As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, Cape Breton University announces the establishment of six new Creative Arts Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the creative arts community at the University and across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. The awards honour the achievements and lasting legacies of key individuals and organizations who have shaped the landscape of the creative arts community.

“We are pleased to introduce the Creative Arts Awards as a tribute to the dedication and contributions of individuals and organizations who have enriched the arts community at CBU and beyond,” says CBU President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall. “For more than 50 years, CBU has been a vibrant centre for creative expression that fosters talent and provides a platform for artists to thrive. These awards will continue to celebrate and encourage the outstanding creative contributions being made every day.”

“The establishment of the CBU Creative Arts Awards provides an opportunity for us to look into the past and recognize those who have played an important role in the foundation of Creative Arts at CBU over the past fifty years, while at the same time, gives us a strong base on which to build future programs and infrastructure in partnership with Cape Breton’s Creative Arts Community,” says Todd Hiscock, Director of the Boardmore Playhouse.

Each of the six awards, named after a distinguished individual or organization, recognizes excellence in specific areas of the arts. The inaugural awards will be officially presented in 2025 through a nomination and review process conducted by a dedicated committee. The following six awards have been established: 

• The Father Donald Campbell Founder Award to recognize individuals whose legacy in the creative arts has developed connections to academia and/or the larger community.
• The Harry and Elizabeth Boardmore Builder Award to recognize individuals who have initiated creative arts projects and programming on campus or in the community.
• The Dr. David Sneddon Volunteer Award to recognize individuals or groups that have consistently offered their time and expertise to advance creative arts initiatives.
• The Barbara E. Stetter Youth Award to recognize individuals under 19 years of age who are actively participating in creative arts initiatives.
• The Sons of Membertou Educator Award to recognize individuals or groups that have promoted and demonstrated the importance of creative arts as an educational tool.
• The CAPER Radio CBU Student Award to recognize individuals or groups that have impactfully promoted the creative arts on the CBU campus while attending CBU.

For more information about the Creative Arts Awards, visit www.cbu.ca/creative-arts-awards