Media Release

Winner of 2nd Annual Contemporary Visual Art Award Announced

(Tuesday, July 27, 2010) - Mayor Peter Kelly is pleased to announce Aaron Weldon as the winner of the 2nd Annual HRM Contemporary Visual Art Award for his work entitled "Tuesday".

“I would like to congratulate Aaron on his success,” said Mayor Kelly. “I hope that the resources gained through the purchase of this artwork will assist him in the further development of his career. HRM will be honoured to show his work in its public buildings, along with the works of both Jessica Hein and Kyle Monchuk, who received honourable mentions.”

The contest was open to HRM-based, emerging and mid-career, 2D visual artists. The works of the winner and two honourable mentions are purchased as part of HRM’s permanent art collection and displayed in HRM public buildings as part of a developing program to showcase the work of local contemporary artists. The short-listed exhibitors will be paid an honorarium for their participation.

“The caliber of the artwork submitted this year was incredibly strong and I was impressed by interest shown by the local arts community;.” said Mayor Kelly. “I see this event growing bigger and more popular each year.”

Last year's winner was Mark Stebbins for his painting "Datamine". Mark has just been announced as one of fifteen semi-finalists for this year's RBC Painting Award, a national purchase award program sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada.

An exhibition of the short-listed works runs until July 29th at the Nova Scotia Archives, Chase Exhibit Room. The works can also be viewed online at www.halifax.ca/cah/ContemporaryArtAward2010.html

- 30 -

Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-4010

Jamie MacLellan
HRM Cultural Affairs
490-1039