Sylvia Hamilton Wins Portia White Prize

Halifax filmmaker Sylvia Hamilton is the 2002 recipient of Nova Scotia's Portia White Prize.

Deputy Premier Ron Russell, and Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture, presented Dr. Hamilton with the $25,000 award at a ceremony at Province House today, Jan. 23.

"This is a very precious moment for me," said Dr. Hamilton. "I am truly grateful for this award. I am proud to be in the company of the amazing artists who have also received this recognition and in some small measure, to be in the company of Portia White, the outstanding artist for which it was named. I owe her my utmost gratitude for having cleared the pathway."

Dr. Hamilton's film career took off in 1989 when she released Black Mother Black Daughter, produced by the National Film Board. The film gained immediate critical acclaim as it moved from festival to festival in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. Since then Dr. Hamilton has created Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia, released in 1993, No More Secrets, released in 1999, and Portia White: Think on Me, released in 2000.

"Dr. Hamilton represents the vibrance and diversity of Nova Scotia's arts community," said Mr. Russell. "This prize is one way of acknowledging the outstanding talents of someone like Sylvia Hamilton."

The Portia White Prize is awarded every year by the province to recognize artistic excellence and achievement by a Nova Scotia artist. The prize honours the memory and example of Portia White, a Nova Scotian artist who rose above adversity to achieve international acclaim as a classical singer on the great stages of Europe and North America. Her artistic achievements and dedication to teaching young artists stand as models to all Nova Scotians and continue to foster pride in African Nova Scotian communities and in all Nova Scotian artists.

"This award is named after one of this province's best artists, a woman who worked hard, achieved greatness and shared her gifts with others," said Mr. MacDonald. "Talent, commitment, and generosity. These are the qualities we recognize in awarding the Portia White Prize to Nova Scotian artists."

The $25,000 prize will be awarded in two components. The first part -- $20,000 -- is awarded directly to the primary recipient, Sylvia Hamilton. Dr. Hamilton named protégés, Peter Marsman and Shauntay Grant to share the secondary award of $5,000.

Nominations for the 2003 Portia White Prize will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2003.