Rideau Hall, Wednesday, March 26, 2014

I am pleased to welcome you to this celebration of excellence in the visual and media arts in Canada.

It is fitting that we gather here for this occasion. The visual arts are a primary means by which we tell the story of Canada at Rideau Hall—as you will see when touring the residence later this evening.

Both official residences—Rideau Hall and the Citadelle of Québec—are laden with remarkable artworks.

Many of them were created by past recipients of these awards.

Three previous laureates, in fact, are represented at the back of this ballroom: Carl Beam, Daphne Odjig and Alex Janvier.

My predecessor, Vincent Massey—whom some of you will know as a driving force behind the establishment of the Canada Council for the Arts—referred to artists as “interpreters.” He spoke of the power of art to quicken our perceptions, to broaden our mental and emotional horizons, and to stimulate our imaginations.

Our leading artists and curators transcend categories, rejecting cliché in favour of inspiration and experimentation. Artists ask questions and challenge us to look deeper, to think more critically and to better appreciate beauty. 

Artists draw from life, before giving back to us an enlarged sense of life’s possibilities.

I was reminded of this not long ago while reading a wonderful book called Leonardo and The Last Supper by Ross King, winner of the 2012 Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction.

King tells how close observation of people going about their daily business was central to Leonardo’s art. For example, he was intrigued by the sight of the “know-it-alls of the benches”—men who sat and talked all day long on the stone benches lining Florence’s streets and piazzas.

Leonardo would compulsively sketch these men, their exuberant gestures, expressions and interactions—and eventually, he would recast them as apostles in The Last Supper, perhaps the most famous painting in history.

I know that each of the laureates gathered here this evening similarly draws from the raw material of life when making art, while adding your own individual creativity.

You are a dynamic, innovative group of artists and curators, representative of the great diversity of visual and media arts in Canada today.

Each of you is being recognized for achievements made over many years, sometimes at considerable personal sacrifice.

You have furthered art-making and the presentation of art in your respective disciplines.

You have inspired wonder in countless Canadians and audiences from around the world.

You have mentored new generations of artists and interpreters in your communities and elsewhere.

Tonight, we thank you for your dedication to developing and sharing an authentic artistic vision that has enriched our country and the world at large. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Canada Council for the Arts for its outstanding support of the visual and media arts in this country—including through the administration of these awards.

I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Simon Brault, who tonight is making his last public remarks as vice-chair of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Mr. Brault has served in this position for 10 years, during which he has made invaluable contributions to the arts and to Canada. He is one of our nation’s leading champions of culture.

He is also, I might add, an officer of the Order of Canada, who exemplifies its motto: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM—“They desire a better country.”

Congratulations on your decade of service, and thank you for your dedication.

And in closing, let me again offer my congratulations to each of our laureates, who are the creators and interpreters of the art that so enriches our lives.

Thank you.