The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, (MOCCA), honors Michael Snow with the first MOCCA Award in Contemporary Art.
At a spectacular gala evening on April 26 the BMO Financial Group presented internationally renowned Toronto-based artist Michael Snow with the first MOCCA Award in Contemporary Art. The MOCCA Award, a prize of $10,000.00 (CAD), was created to honor a Canadian active in the field of contemporary art for innovation, contribution over time, or for a specific project, whose achievements have national or international significance. Active on the international stage since the 1950s, and always highly regarded for his groundbreaking works in painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, music, sound and a diverse range of other media, Michael Snow is one of the very first contemporary artists in Canada to be recognized for his achievements worldwide. Launched at the cusp of the millennium in 1999, the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art inherits a rich cultural legacy to which Mr. Snow has made substantial, pioneering contributions. His impact upon Canadian and international culture cannot be underestimated.
To commemorate the occasion, each guest received a limited edition plate, titled Condimental Shifts, specially designed by Snow for the event and handcrafted by nationally renowned ceramicist Thomas Aitken. The evening featured a selection of Snows works installed in a unique, ambient setting created by leading Toronto designer Johnson Chou with food by international superstar chef Susur Lee. Each guest also received a publication on the featured works with text by Montreal scholar Martha Langford.
Legendary art dealer and Honorary Chair of the event Av Isaacs presided over the proceedings held directly in the museums mainspace gallery. A welcoming and vivacious audience of Snows friends, colleagues, patrons, leading collectors, museum directors and curators, and a host of various art celebrities toasted his many outstanding accomplishments, both past and present. As at least partial testimony to Michael Snows continued influential relevance, his current works were included in the most recent editions of the Sao Paulo Biennial and the Whitney Biennial. He has been a strong supporter of the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art since its inception and museum Director David Liss acknowledged Michaels inspiration in his welcoming remarks: It is my hope that, in some way, the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art will carry forward into the 21st Century the exuberant spirit of curiosity and astute, visionary discovery that ignited, and has for decades sustained Michael Snows remarkable practice.
The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art is grateful to Michael Snow, the fabulous array of guests who attended the event, the entire MOCCA staff and especially the hardworking, charismatic event Co-chairs Sue Kidd and Julia Ouellette. The evening was a truly unique and incredibly enjoyable experience!!
BMO Financial Group presents the first MOCCA Award in Contemporary Art was generously supported by Event Patrons SUSUR, Deloitte, Torys LLP, Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc., Johnson Chou Inc.
Event Donors Aeroplan, Ritchies Inc. Auctioneers
Event Friends The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, Fela Grunwald, Sue Kidd and Susie Kololian, Mark J. Mooney & Associates Ltd., Pilsner Urquell, Vineland Estates Winery.
The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, (MOCCA), was founded from the former Art Gallery of North York in 1999 with a mandate to exhibit, research, collect and promote innovative art by Canadian artists whose works engage and reflect the relevant stories of our times. MOCCA currently exists as an arms length agency of The City of Torontos Culture Division. Situated within the heart of Torontos West Queen West arts district, MOCCAs exhibition reflects a dynamic and balanced approach to presenting the wide range of ideas and media being explored by both established artists at advanced stages of practice and emerging artists who have demonstrated strong promise and exceptional commitment. In addition, work by non-Canadian artists is included in group exhibitions, creating a global context for the Canadian cultural voice.
