The Globe and Mail
A Toronto lawyer is being recognized for more than 50 years of arts philanthropy with an award that is bestowed on business leaders who spend a lifetime contributing to Canadian arts and culture.
John McKellar, partner emeritus at WeirFoulds LLP, is the 21st recipient of the Edmund C. Bovey Award for lifetime achievement in arts leadership for his contributions to the performing arts.
His volunteer activities include being chair of the Toronto Arts Council, vice-chair of the Ontario Arts Foundation and the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and serving as a director on a number of boards.
“It is a great honour for me to receive this award, especially so because I knew Ed Bovey and greatly admired what he was able to do for the arts,” Mr. McKellar said in a statement.
Mr. Bovey was the first chairman of Business for the Arts, which announced six award winners Thursday. The award that bears his name honours business professionals who make exceptional contributions to the arts. Previous recipients include Gail Asper and Charles Baillie.
With his Bovey honour, Mr. McKellar tops the list of this year’s winners, all of whom will receive their prizes at the 33rd Annual Business for the Arts Awards Gala at the Carlu in Toronto on Oct. 6.
Simon Foster, senior vice-president, digital publishing and business development, GlassBOX Television, will receive the Arnold Edinborough Award for arts contributions made by persons under 40.
Mr. Foster won for his work as co-founder and chairman of Framework, an organization focused on volunteerism that connects young professionals with emerging artists.
The four winners of the Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Partnership Awards are: Whitehorse-based Hougen Group of Companies, Best Entrepreneurial Partnership; Enbridge Inc., Most Effective Corporate Program; Sun Life Financial, Most Innovative Marketing Sponsorship; and Waterloo-based Bullas Travel Inc., Small Business Partnership.