In a ceremony held at Queen's Park in Toronto, Nov. 18, Toronto's Shaw Festival received a Lieutenant Governor's Award For The Arts from Henry N.R. Jackman, the Lt. Gov. Of Ontario. The Shaw Festival, which received a C$25,000 stipend, was specifically recognized for its long-term partnership with Bell Canada, its dramatic increase in membership, and its innovative fund-raising events.

Festival artistic director Christopher Newton said, "The Shaw Festival is honored to be recognized... Thanks to the support of our corporate partners and the community...The Shaw wil remain a vital and responsive theatre company into the next century."

Lieutenant Governor Jackman was quoted as saying, "Increased levels of private sector support are crucial to the future prosperity of the arts in Canada. Today's award winners are...building new partnerships and exploring new funding initiatives."

The Ontario Arts Council Foundation, established in 1995 via a C$1 million gift from Jackman, administers the prizes.

For more information on the Shaw Festival and its 1997 Season (beginning April 4, 1997) see Playbill On-Line's story, "Shaw Festival '97 To Include Works by Chekhov, Hellman, and, of Course, GB."

-- By David Lefkowitz