Congratulations to all the winners from this years Mayor's Luncheon for Business & the Arts which took place Friday May 5, 2006.  Here's a list of this years awards and winners:

Enbridge Emerging Artist Award

Terrance Houle

Exhibiting work locally, nationally and internationally, Terrance Houle is a prime example of excellence in the Calgary arts community, both as practicing artist and community minded advocate for the arts 

Telus Artistic Innovation Award

Doug Curtis

Doug's unique storytelling style of playwriting has resulted not only in the creation of a large number of award-winning plays but has benefited his colleagues, students and people suffering from Parkinson's Disease.  Much like his playwriting style, Doug's talent as an innovator is deceptively simple.  Every challenge becomes another artistic opportunity.

Epcor Established Arts Award

The Mount Royal College Conservatory

Founded in 1910, The Mount Royal College Conservatory has built an international reputation for the excellence of its instruction in the performing arts, and continues to serve the Calgary community through its programs in music, theatre and spoken arts. 

Patron Award Innovative Support

Alliance Pipeline (nominated by Calgary International Children's Festival)

Alliance Pipelines Ltd. has enriched the lives of thousands of young people through Calgary International Children's Festival.  It even developed its on program to ensure high needs schools can attend.

Patron Award Sustained Support

Enbridge (nominated by Alberta Ballet, Alberta Theatre Projects, Theate Junction)

Here is an excerpt from Dan O'Grady's excellent speech:

"The performing and visual arts enrich our lives. They touch us emotionally. They reflect our humanity. They make us laugh and cry. They win our hearts. They poke our minds. They reflect the heart and soul of our community. They nudge the boundaries of innovation and design – contributing colour and imagination. They help build communities and they encourage us to share our stories. They embrace freedom of expression and they help grow and shape our ever-changing cultural identity as Calgarians and Canadians.

Without the contribution of the arts Calgary would simply not be a chosen place to live and work.

Let’s all be clear on this matter. Let’s all be on the same page of promoting an intelligent model of sustainability for our great city. With that, we encourage all businesses of all sizes, and all levels of government to work to the same ideals and goals of building sustainable communities that include support of arts & culture."