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Excellence in Culture Award

Audience

An organization or individual that has achieved regional and/or national recognition and is recognized as a “Nanaimo artist"

Status

Active

Cut Off Date

2024-12-02 16:30

This award is presented to an organization or individual that has achieved regional and/or national recognition and is recognized as a “Nanaimo artist", demonstrating excellence in their field, and a significant inspiration to others.

This award category presents the community with the opportunity to recognize people and groups they believe have made a significant contribution to making Nanaimo a culturally vibrant city.

2025 Recipient: Joël A. Prévost

Joel A Prevost

Joël A. Prévost
Photo Credit: Sean Fenzl | @fenzlstudio

Joël A. Prévost won the 2025 Excellence in Culture Award for his achievements as a “Nanaimo artist” and demonstrated excellence in his field. Joël is a master sculptor, teacher, mentor, and cultural leader.

In the early '80s, after returning from Nova Scotia with a certification in community development from Université Saint-Anne, Joël began his career as the Executive Director of The Francophone Association of Nanaimo. Over the past 40 years, Joël has made significant contributions to the vibrancy of Nanaimo’s cultural community and has inspired countless individuals.

As a teenager, Joël discovered his passion for dance at Kirkwood Academy, where he embarked on a journey that allowed him to share his love for this art form through both instruction and performance. His deep appreciation for music inspired him to develop live music events after running the World Beat Café, a venue he created to showcase diverse musical performances. Later, he organized and produced "Jazz + At The Gallery" and the Mid-Island Jazz Festival at the Nanaimo Art Gallery.

Joël has now established the Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio, where he continues to build his professional career. The studio offers a variety of art classes taught by different artists, allowing them to share their skills and expertise with students. Joël's dedication to the arts and his unwavering commitment to creating a collaborative, inclusive, and vibrant cultural sector exemplify his excellence.

Past Recipients

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Culture & Events 250-755-4483
cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca

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