Marianne Turley (2021)
Marianne Turley is celebrated with an Honour in Culture Award in recognition of her volunteer contributions to arts and culture in Nanaimo over many years. Turley was a long-time champion of Vancouver Island Symphony as a donor, fundraiser, planner, board member, leader and advocate. Through the Annual Gala, the Symphony of Roses, the Symphony in the Harbour, Turley raised funds and the profile of the Symphony.
She founded the Symphony’s Women of Note program and organized events and guest speakers to raise funds to allow students from SD68 to visit the Port Theatre to experience a live concert annually. Turley also served as the Chair of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the City of Nanaimo’s Culture Committee.
Christine Whitelaw (2021)
Christine Whitelaw is celebrated with an Honour in Culture Award to recognize her passionate volunteer contributions to arts and culture in Nanaimo over many years. She is a leader, a fundraiser and donor, active board member, committee member, and organizer.
She has been involved with the Port Theatre, including in the efforts to raise funds for the construction of the building, as well as with the Vancouver Island Symphony, and the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, serving in various capacities to bring music to our community and support the development of musicians.
Videos by Kelly Adams Video & Photography
Celebrating the 2021 Culture & Heritage award recipients
Each year, the City of Nanaimo recognizes outstanding contributions to the culture and vibrancy of our community with the Culture & Heritage Awards. In 2021, Council announced the following honorees:
Traditionally, recipients are honored as part of a lively, public celebration at the Port Theatre. This year, because of measures to protect our community from COVID-19, the gathering will not take place as planned. In place of the event, on behalf of Council, Mayor Leonard Krog personally delivered greetings and a special gift to the homes of local award recipients, while practicing physical distancing. As well, we’ve released specially commissioned video profiles that celebrate the achievements of each honoree.
As part of a commitment to supporting local artists, this year potter Bronwyn Arundel was commissioned to design and produce special pots to gift to the recipients of the Culture & Heritage Awards. Arundel is well-known locally for her work in ceramic which incorporates humour and whimsy. She is also the owner of Nanaimo Ceramic Arts.
Past Recipients
Nominate someone for an award
Do you know of an individual, group or corporation known for their dedication to and support of the development of Nanaimo's cultural fabric?
Nominate them for an Honour in Culture Award or check out the other award categories. This is your opportunity to recognize people and groups you believe have made a significant contribution to making Nanaimo a culturally vibrant city.
Questions?
We're happy to help. Contact us directly at
250-755-4483 or cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca. Subscribe to receive Love Arts
Nanaimo Updates and follow us on Instagram at @Culture_Nanaimo.