Lokki Ma honoured with the 2010 Pauline McGibbon Award

TORONTO, June 28 /CNW/ - Production Craftsperson Lokki Ma is the 2010 recipient of the Pauline McGibbon Award. The announcement was made by the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture at the 31st Dora Mavor Moore Awards. The Awards were presented today at Toronto's St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in the Bluma Appel Theatre.

About the recipient:

    
    -   Lokki Ma is a builder, buyer and coordinator of props who started her
        theatre career in Toronto with Metcalf Foundation support for a props
        internship with The Canadian Stage Company during its 2007/2008
        season.
    -   In three years, Lokki has collaborated on several projects with
        Ontario theatre companies and cultural organizations:
        -  She was head of props for Blyth Festival's 2007 and 2009 seasons,
           as well as for Theatre Direct's Binti's Journey and Walking the
           Tightrope.
        -  At Tarragon Theatre, her build credits also include If We Were
           Birds, Molière, Mimi and Ubuntu.
        -  Most recently, Lokki worked with Native Earth Performing Arts as
           head of props for the company's first opera, Giiwedin. She has
           also built costume props for Video Cabaret's remount of The Great
           War and the Art Gallery of Ontario's King Tut Gala.
    -   Lokki earned her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Theatre at
        Dalhousie University.
    -   She volunteers her time with a local high school, helping students
        plan and troubleshoot the build process for their show.
    

Quotes:

The 2010 jury noted: "Lokki's strong interest as a crafts artist and contributor to the art of storytelling in theatre is evident, as is her desire to share her passion for the industry and craft with others, especially young students."

"Lokki Ma's creativity takes theatre in Ontario to new heights. Her contributions are making a significant difference in the lives of the next generation of artists and craftspersons. Congratulations to Lokki Ma on this important achievement," said Tourism and Culture Minister Michael Chan.

About the Pauline McGibbon Award:

    
    -   Established in 1981, the award honours former Lieutenant Governor
        Pauline McGibbon for her support and patronage of the arts. The award
        is given each year by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of
        Tourism and Culture (http://www.culture.gov.on.ca/english/index.html)
        and includes a $7,000 prize and a medal designed
        by Dora de Pédery-Hunt.
    -   The award is presented to a member of Ontario's professional theatre
        community in the early stages of his or her career who has displayed
        a unique talent and a potential for excellence.
    -   The award is cyclical in nature and recognizes the unique talents of
        artists who have contributed to the well-being of Ontario's theatre
        community. The first year of the three-year cycle, the award goes to
        a designer, the second year to a director and the third year to a
        production craftsperson.
    -   The award is administered by the Ontario Arts Council
        (http://www.arts.on.ca/index.html).
    -   Past recipients of the Pauline McGibbon Award include the following
        production craftspersons: Lindsay Anne Black (2007); Alexandra (Alex)
        Gilbert (2004); and Bruce Derek (2001). Access the full list here
        (http://www.arts.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=5506).
    -   This year's jurors were: Lindsay Anne Black (Toronto); Douglas Lemcke
        (Stratford) and Julia Tribe (Toronto).
    

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) (http://www.arts.on.ca/index.html) is the province of Ontario's primary funding body for professional arts activity. Since 1963, the OAC has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts and artists for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians.

For further information: MEDIA INQUIRIES: Geneviève Vallerand, Communications Coordinator, OAC, 416-969-7434, 1-800-387-0058, ext. 7434, [email protected]