On June 7, 2024, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation founder Jenny Belzberg was awarded the 2024 Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts by Her Excellency Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. The Award recognizes outstanding voluntary service to the performing arts by an individual or group – and Jenny Belzberg’s lifelong history of supporting and promoting the arts and artists – in Calgary – in Alberta – and across Canada – has uplifted countless artists and arts communities.
Jenny is one of four visionary founders – along with Tommy Banks, Fil Fraser and John Poole – who established the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation in 2003 to recognize and celebrate Alberta’s exceptional artists. She was instrumental in seeking the patronage of the then Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Lois Hole. This patronage continues today with Her Honour Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million to 26 Distinguished and 74 Emerging Alberta Artists from endowed funds raised by Alberta’s ardent arts supporters.
The impact of the financial support and the recognition these awards provide cannot be overstated. In 2019, as a tribute to Jenny, we compiled thoughts on the meaning of this award from our awarded artists. Their words and perspectives provide the best testimony to Jenny’s passionate dedication to the arts: Our Founders’ Legacy
