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Mr. Walter Carsen

  • Deceased

    • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Deceased

    • Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Order of Canada

    • Member of the Order of Canada

      Awarded on: 1994-10-19
      Invested on: 1995-03-01
      A retired industrialist, he is a generous patron of the arts who is affectionately known as the Care Bear in Canadian arts circles. Over the years, he has funded projects and productions for the National Ballet of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Shaw Festival, among others, giving Canadians unlimited access to cultural events that they might not otherwise experience.

    • Officer of the Order of Canada

      Awarded on: 2001-10-18
      Invested on: 2002-02-22
      He continues to be a generous benefactor to Canadian arts organizations, particularly The National Ballet of Canada. He has been the driving force behind its funding campaigns and individual productions, has sponsored its artist-in-residence program and has donated significant funds towards the Walter Carsen Centre, the Ballet's new headquarters. As a tribute to Canadian artists, he has created one of the country's richest prizes for achievement in the performing arts, named in his honour. In addition, the Shaw Festival and numerous art galleries have greatly benefited from his generosity. This is a promotion within the Order.