Airdrie’s local arts and culture community will be celebrated Jan. 26, when this year’s Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts (AMNA) awards are presented during a gala event at Bert Church LIVE Theatre (BCLT). “AMNA was created to basically support and promote the arts and culture that exists within our community, and to support and promote our local artists,” said Tina Petrow, chair of the event’s planning committee. “Every year, we try to pick a different cultural theme.” According to Petrow, this year’s celebration – Dreamcatcher: A Night of Art, Culture and Inspiration – embraces the beauty of Canada’s indigenous cultures. The inspiration for the decision, she said, was the variety of artwork and dancing produced by these groups. “At the same time, it’s highlighting how arts and culture is weaved through our community, too,” she said. “And the idea of a dreamcatcher just happened to have that right double meaning, so it seemed like the right thing to do.” The event, which begins with a prosecco reception and an appetizer buffet provided by an indigenous catering company, will feature a wide range of entertainment. According to Petrow, the lineup varies from traditional performances, like hoop dancing and authentic drumming, to local acts like Star Bound Dance Company and the Kim McKee youth choir. “The finale is a giant collaboration that I can’t spill any information about, but it’s so exciting,” Petrow said. “And, throughout the show, we’ll have a mix of awards – it’s set up so people will get to applaud the nominees and winners, then enjoy a performance. It kind of keeps them going on a ride from start to finish.” Six awards will be presented throughout the evening, recognizing individuals and businesses involved in the local arts community in a variety of different ways – including up and coming artists, arts educators, young artists, patrons, mentors and professionals. “It kind of progresses through life – you start with having a good art teacher, then maybe become an emerging artist, and then move to working as a professional artist,” Petrow said. “Then, maybe, you become a champion of the arts, or a patron. This kind of moves from the beginning of an artist’s life, onwards.” Once nominations are received from community members toward the end of the previous year, Petrow said, the nomination committee contacts each nominee to confirm whether they are interested in continuing with the awards process. The selection of the winners, however, is entirely up to a group of third-party adjudicators. “It’s completely impartial – we don’t want any of us to be deciding who wins,” Petrow said. “I actually don’t even know who the winners are, I don’t find that out until those envelopes are opened.” Tickets for the event are available from amnaawards.com or through BCLT. “It’s such a wonderful evening,” Petrow said. “Such a mixture of arts and culture, networking, and chatting with people.”
