FRONT PAGE STORY BY SWEIR GG Awards in Visual and Media Arts

Our GG Honours Michelle Jacques for Excellence in Arts

Caribbean Canadian curator Michelle Jacques is among eight recipients of the 2024 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts, recognized as Canada’s highest distinctions for excellence in the visual and media arts. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, presented the awards during a ceremony last week at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Jacques, a former Toronto resident now based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is celebrated for her significant contributions to contemporary art and cultural programming. She currently Head of Exhibitions and Collections & Chief Curator at the Remai Modern Art Gallery in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Her heritage, rooted in St. Lucia and Barbados, often shapes her perspective on diverse artistic practices and influences her approach to curatorial work.
An advocate for equity in the art world, Jacques has spoken openly about the challenges and opportunities of being Black in Canadian art institutions. She has dedicated her career to addressing systemic barriers, fostering diversity, and engaging broader audiences in the arts.
The GGAwards in Visual and Media Arts honour eight individuals annually for their achievements: six for distinguished artistic excellence, one for excellence in fine crafts and one for outstanding contributions to contemporary arts.
The 2024 award recipients are:
Shuvinai Ashoona – A visual artist from Kinngait, Nunavut, known for her vivid depictions of Inuit life.
Greg Staats – A photographer and installation artist exploring Indigenous knowledge and symbolism.
Barbara Astman – A Toronto artist renowned for her innovative media arts.
Dominique Blain – Celebrated for her socially engaged and multidisciplinary visual art.
Don Ritter – A media artist integrating technology with visual and sound art.
Marjorie Beaucage – A Métis filmmaker highlighting cultural narratives.
Michelle Jacques – Honoured for her contributions to contemporary Canadian art.
Louise Lemieux Bérubé – Awaarded for fine craft artistry.
Each honouree receives $25,000 and a medallion, recognizing their role in enriching Canada’s cultural landscape. Jacques’ award underscores her efforts to amplify underrepresented voices and promote inclusivity in the arts.

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