The finalists for the sixth annual Richmond Arts Awards have been announced.
A total of 18 people or organizations are vying for one of six awards - run by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition and supported by the Richmond News - recognizing the achievements and contributions to the arts from Richmond residents, artists, educators and businesses.
For the 87 nominations received, the finalists in each category are: Artistic Innovation: Glen Andersen; Richmond in 3D and Marina Szijarto; Arts Education: The Arts Connection; Joan Brander and Debbie Tobin; Business and the Arts: Accent Inns; Michael Audain and Richmond Steel Recycling Ltd.; Cultural Leadership: Bong Ja Ahn; Aarthi Naidu and RichCity Idol; Volunteerism: Geok Bin Phua; Floyd Corey and Loraine Wellman; Youth Arts: Andrew Cohen; Alexa Fraser and Angelica Poversky.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie will announce the winners at a special ceremony on Tuesday, May 6 at Richmond City Hall.
This year's selection panel includes:
Gateway Theatre's general manager, Suzanne Haines; Kwantlen Polytechnic University's events and professional studies communications coordinator, Radka Hladil; the 2012 winner for Arts Education and founder of Tickle Me Pickle, Jon Lee-Son, and the treasurer and primary administrator of the Community Arts Council of Richmond, Margaret Stephens.