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Ryan receives Governor General's Award

6 April, 2010
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Longtime northern arts administrator and visionary Terrence Ryan was awarded the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Art for his outstanding work with the artists of Cape Dorset. The prestigious prize, one of eight awarded this year, was presented to Ryan and his fellow recipients last week at a gala reception at Rideau Hall, the official residence of Governor General Michaëlle Jean.

Ryan's relationship with the people and artists of Cape Dorset (Kinngait) began in 1960, when he became the general manager of the newly formed West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative, the body that was established to oversee the community's fledgling printmaking program. An artist himself, Ryan recognized the importance of nurturing artistic talent even when it meant encouraging artists to create work that challenged conventional and commercially-proven ideas about Inuit art. Ryan is also credited with helping to maintain a spirit of innovation by consistently championing the introduction of new and more advanced printmaking techniques to the community. Although he retired from his post as director in 2000, the ongoing success and vitality of the community's printmaking and drawing studios owes much to the role that Ryan has played over the years.

Currently a resident of Toronto, Ryan has been a Member of the Order of Canada since 1983. On the occasion of this latest award, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Terry for his wisdom and life of dedication to Inuit art. Congratulations, Terry!

Terry Ryan outside Rideau Hall with Carleton University curator Sandra Dyck, who nominated Ryan for the award