The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery emerged from the 2021 Sask Arts Awards victorious on May 10, winning an award for excellent leadership in the arts community.
The MJMAG has received the Leadership Award as an organization, after being nominated alongside the On The Boards Staging Company in Saskatoon and Sage Hill Writing.
“It’s just great to have the work that we’re doing, the programming that we do, recognized on a provincial level,” said curator Jennifer McRorie, on behalf of the entire organization. “It’s really special to be recognized, by the colleague who nominated us and then also to be nominated with such other prestigious organizations who are really making a difference in the arts in the province.”
The Moose Jaw entity was nominated due to its large contributions to the provincial arts community, with just a selection of relevant accomplishments listed in the nomination biography.
Highlights of the past 50 years include the MJMAG’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in policy and programming, the many annual events the organization hosts to make art accessible to the public, and its world-class exhibits that have been shown as far away as Sydney, Australia and Tokyo.
The MJMAG was also recognized for its involvement in founding the inter-provincial collaboration project, Small Cities Art Museums, which brings a collective of galleries together in a network for sharing exhibits.
"It’s nice to have that boost of confidence in our programming. It kind of feels like an acknowledgement that we’re moving in the right direction, and gives us a sense of empowerment,” said McRorie.
As this year is the gallery’s 55th anniversary, McRorie said that winning an award for leadership feels extra heartwarming as it puts a spotlight on the many years of hard work members at the MJMAG have put in.
“It is a special honour this year, and especially after having such a challenging year because of the pandemic. It’s really gratifying and affirming to know that we’re appreciated for what we do,” said McRorie.
McRorie thanked all of the MJMAG’s past and present staff, supporters, and contributors for their work to make the organization so successful.
“We acknowledge too that this award is for our whole 55-year history as well, to acknowledge the impact the organization has had,” said McRorie. “This isn’t just for the current staff, but for all of the people that have preceded us as well, going back to Norma Lang.”
In addition to the recognition, the title also comes with a cash prize, which McRorie said will be discussed by the board at a later date.
