Celebrating Canadian Talent: 2019 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Laureates Announced

Press Release

February 28, 2019

“Canada is a magnificent country of spectacular natural beauty, and our artists are among our nation’s greatest assets,” said Douglas Knight, Chair and CEO of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation (GGPAAF), and Anik Bissonnette, Co-chair of the Foundation. “The laureates we honour with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards are true gems. Their talent enriches us all, and through their art, they allow each and every one of us to sparkle with happiness.”

The 2019 laureates will be honoured at two events in Ottawa, culminating in the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala presented by Air Canada at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. Jayne Watson, CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to have a beloved Canadian brand join us in this celebration of our country’s performing arts luminaries. We extend our sincerest thanks to Air Canada for their generous support as Presenting Sponsor, and look forward to a spectacular 2019 GGPAA Gala.”

These awards would not be possible without the support of our partners at the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the National Arts Centre (NAC), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019 with an array of special programming and activities throughout the year. As well, each year the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) creates incomparable short films that capture the essence of the laureates, and will première at the Awards Gala at the NAC on April 27 and online on NFB.ca. Earnscliffe is proud to serve as official communications partner for a second consecutive year. Watch congratulatory videos from our partners, the Canada Council for the Arts, the National Arts Centre and the National Film Board of Canada.

The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation recognizes Associate Media Partner CBC/Radio-Canada, which will produce exciting digital content about the GGPAA laureates on cbc.ca and radio-canada.ca, and across CBC/Radio-Canada’s digital platforms.

Tickets for the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala go on sale to the public on Thursday, February 28 at 8:00 a.m. ET through Ticketmaster, 1-888-991-2787 or naccna.ca/ggawards.

Created in 1992 under the distinguished patronage of the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, then-Governor General of Canada, and his wife Gerda, these prestigious awards are presented annually to Canadians whose accomplishments have inspired and enriched the cultural life of our country. Nominations for these highly acclaimed awards are submitted by members of the public to recognize artists who have made a lifetime commitment and contribution to the performing arts in Canada.

ILR5