2009 Winner: Marcello Cabezas

Marcello Cabezas has been described by some of his colleagues and supporters as a cultural Impresario, a culture magic maker, and a cultural maverick. As the Co-Founder and Culture Producer at macIDeas, he is unafraid of pushing boundaries and thinking way outside of the box.

Perhaps it is his ability to churn out a hundred ideas an hour that makes him such a magnet in the cultural community. Marcello’s visionary approach is what inspired the creation of the Presenting Our Vision Film Program (POV), a partnership with the Youth Film and Media Training Network, RBC and other partners to bring a filmmaking program to at-risk youth. Marcello worked tirelessly to get this fledgling idea off the ground and make it a success. He used his talents as a ‘connector’ to secure relationships with a number of media outlets, sponsors, and celebrities including Woody Harrelson, Gil Bellows, the Philosopher Kings, members of the casts of Degrassi and Corner Gas, proving that Marcello is more than an ‘ideas guy’.

Marcello’s nomination for the Arnold Edinborough Award was submitted by the Youth Film and Media Training Network but support for his nomination has come from far and wide. The scope of his involvement across Toronto’s arts and culture scene is impressive. As a young professional, Marcello has held advisory board and executive committee positions for a staggering number of organizations including Artbound (‘Free the Children’ project), Canadian Opera Company, CFC World Wide Short Film Festival, Stratford YP, Luminato YP, Innovators Ball, and the list goes on.

Marcello Cabezas should be seen as a role model for other young professionals in Canada. Already, he has made a significant mark on Toronto as there are few people in the arts and culture community who do not know him. As far as he is concerned, his work has only just begun and the sky is the limit. Business for the Arts is pleased to honour Marcello Cabezas with the Arnold Edinborough Award for 2009.

The “Arnold Edinborough Award was launched last year in honour of Business for the Arts’ founding President to recognize the young business leaders in Canada who dedicate a tremendous amount of time and energy volunteering for the Arts while busy building a career. The award is a fitting tribute to Arnold Edinborough, since he was instrumental in founding the Business for the Arts Awards as well as the Young in Art program, helping young business people find rewarding positions in the Arts as Board Members.” said James D. Fleck, Chairman of the Board.

Marcello Cabezas will receive an original Canadian artwork created by an emerging artist, along with a cheque for $5,000 for the arts organization of her choice. Marcello will be recognized at the Business for the Arts Awards Gala and the Arnold After-party at the Art Gallery of Ontario on October 29th, hosted by Bfta artsScene, Business for the Arts’ young business professionals group.

Members of the Arnold Edinborough Award jury for 2009: Gillian Hewitt (Co-chair, BftA artsScene Toronto), Takashi Yamashita (Co-chair, artsScene Toronto), Jennifer Kirner, Community Investment Manager, TELUS, Julie Arsenault (Chair, BftA artsScene Montreal), Ken Bautista (Cochair, BftA artsScene Calgary), Victoria Mainprize (Chair, BftA artsScene Halifax), and Claudia Moore (2008 Arnold Edinborough winner).