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.

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).

2008 Winner: Claudia Moore

Claudia Moore has been selected as the inaugural winner of the new Arnold Edinborough Award, in honour of her outstanding commitment to Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD). Claudia has inspired and led great change for DJD in Calgary. DJD General Manager, Kathi Sundstrom remarked that "Claudia spearheaded changes to our business plan… guiding us through that process, which helped identify and sharpen our focus on our core values and strategic priorities." Claudia’s leadership "revamped our website, encouraged us to use email marketing, and trained our staff on how to use the tools necessary to maximize the effectiveness of IT capabilities." Claudia Moore truly represents the spirit of the Arnold Award, she has given generously of her time as a board member, chair, fundraiser and volunteer; has dedicated her skills to the advancement of the organization and has demonstrated unparalleled leadership within both her professional life and volunteer efforts.

The new "Arnold Edinborough Award has been launched this 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.

Claudia Moore 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. Claudia will be recognized at the gala dinner and Arnold afterparty at the Carlu October 20th run by artsScene, Business for the Arts’ young business professionals group. The evening will also include a celebration of Henry N.R. Jackman as the 2008 Edmund C. Bovey Award winner and the eight Canadian companies awarded a Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Award or award of distinction.

Members of the Jury for 2008: Julie Arsenault (Chair, artsScène Montréal), Ken Bautista (Chair, artsScene Calgary), Bruce Kuwabara (Partner, KPMB Architects), Victoria Mainprize (Chair, artsScene Halifax), Jeff Melanson (Executive Director and Co-CEO, The National Ballet School of Canada) and Takashi Yamashita (Co-Chair, artsScene Toronto).