Thank you to all of the wonderful artists who shared their work and journeys with us!
Artist, activist and one of last year’s recipients Christi Belcourt and co-juror Tammy Ratcliff, artist and co-owner of Wyndham Art Supplies, had the difficult task of deciding on the recipient of our 2nd Creative Dissent award. At Christi’s suggestion, we are expanding the award this year to also recognize two Honourable Mentions with $100 gift cards, and express our appreciation to rest of the applicants with smaller prizes.
Be the Light
A site-specific paste-up illuminates a public stairway in Guelph, Ontario, with dramatic lighting, urging passersby towards a higher calling: to embody the change they wish to see in the world.
Year – 2022
Materials – paper, stenciled spray-paint
Location – Norfolk Street Guelph, ON
Our 2025 Creative Dissent award recipient is Lionel StreetArt. This anonymous street artist has been installing their thought-provoking pieces on walls, bus shelters, sidewalks and bridges around Guelph since 2021. Some of these installations will be familiar to people who frequent the downtown area. Their public interventions address issues including homelessness, colonization, architectural preservation and peace/anti-war. We recognize their artistic practice and the fact that they have taken action by bringing their work into the public realm physically. This year’s award was comprised of $500 cash and $500 Wyndham Art gift card.
Wild Queer Abolitionist Collective
Gail Kiyomi Burgin
Honourable mentions go to Wild Queer Abolitionist Collective for their work around inclusive community-building and skill sharing, and Gail Kiyomi Burgin for her textile/mixed media project addressing the legacy of the internment of Japanese Canadians.
Thank you to you all for sharing your work and stories with us. We feel grateful to be in community with all of you!
Cover Image:
Where Are You Sleeping Tonight?