WSIMS was thrilled to be a Finalist for Richmond Arts Awards 2019

The 11th annual Richmond Arts Awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in Council Chambers at City Hall. The master of ceremonies was acting Mayor Alexa Loo.

Warm Greetings from the Honourable Mayor Malcolm Brodie, City of Richmond.

WS Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society was so thrilled to be one of the 3 finalists of the 3 CULTURAL LEADERSHIP award of the 11th Annual Richmond Arts Awards, and was recognized alongside other 16 amazing finalists all across Richmond!

Cultural Leadership Finalist Award Certificate, signed by the Honourable

Mayor Malcolm Brodie, City of Richmond

From right to left: Dr. Jan and Yvonne Walls, Advisors of WS Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society; Councillor Bill McNulty; Sophia Zhang, Chair of WSIMS.

Warm greetings from Linda Barnes, Richmond Arts Coalition.

Warm greetings from Dolly Hopkins, Creative Architect.

The 3 finalists were Mike Booton and Donna Wilson, Shelley John and Sudnya Mulye; and the Arts Education Award 2019 went to Shelley John. Eve Edmonds presented the award.

The 2 finalists were Artists Rendering Tales Collective Inc. and Ming Yeung; and the Artistic Innovation Award 2019 went to Ming Young. Paige Gratland presented the award.

The 3 finalists were Clarkson Events, Lipont Place and TD Bank Group; and the Business and the Arts Award 2019 went to Lipont Place. Matt Pitcairn presented the award.

The 3 finalists were Glenda Johnson, Ray Chin and Textile Arts Guild of Richmond, and the Volunteerism Award 2019 went to Glenda Johnson, a decades community contributor. Touched by her deeds, everyone stood up and gave her a huge round of applause while she was walking back to her seat. Ed Gavsie presented the award.

The 3 finalists were Totem Levy, Shawn Chang and Tan Mader, and the Youth Arts Award 2019 went to Shawn Chang, the talented creative writer, blogger and social media specialist. Fun-Jou Chang presented the award.

The 3 finalists were Jovanni Sy, Thomas Cannell, and WS Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society, and the Cultural Leadership Award 2019 went to Jovanni Sy. Councillor Harold Steves presented the award.

Councillor Chak Au, Linda McPhail and more were at the event to support.

More than 100 participants also enjoyed the beautiful dance by DJ Gabby Cometa dn Culturally Defined Dancers, music by musician Chyenne May, and music by Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra Blackwood Clarinet Ensemble.

Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists and award recipients for your accomplishments and for enriching our community spirit through arts and culture.

Sincere thanks to the selection committee, Mayor and councillors. Sincere thanks to Katie Varney, Community Cultural Development Manager, her team, and all community partners to organizing such a lovely event. Special thanks to DJ Garry Cometa and each of the post-ceremony reception volunteers.