Johanna Metcalf
Performing Arts

The 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène 2021

Celebrating Ontario artists who have had an impact on the field and the public, and show great promise for the future

Created in 2019, the Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène (Johannas) is named in honour of Johanna Metcalf, who was at the heart of the Metcalf Foundation’s work for over 40 years. The prize was created to amplify Johanna’s legacy as a passionate supporter of the arts and artists. The Johannas celebrate artists in Ontario who have made a recognized impact on the field and the public, and show great promise in the ongoing pursuit of their ambitious and visionary practices.

For the 2021 Johannas, 15 finalists have been selected from across Ontario in the disciplines of dance, theatre, and music/opera, including artists who are working in the spaces between and across these disciplines. The five winners and their protégés will be announced on May 19, 2022 at a ceremony at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.

Each winner will receive a prize of $25,000 and will name a protégé as a way of celebrating early career artists who are showing formidable promise. Protégés will be awarded $10,000 each, a $5,000 increase from the inaugural prize year, bringing the total value of the prizes to $175,000.

The Johannas is delivered on a biennial basis in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). The nominees are selected through several juried OAC competitions in dance, music/opera, and theatre, including creators from Francophone, Indigenous, and Northern communities. Artists who have been producing and showing work over a period of at least 10 years are eligible.

Being awarded a Johanna opened doors and propelled my theatre work to the next level. It was a fantastic burst of encouragement at a time when I needed it — a “keep going” in an industry full of “just give ups.” The prize money helped me take some artistic risks, which have truly paid off.

Sunny Drake

2019 Johanna Winner

The last two years have been an unimaginable period for the arts and artists. We are delighted by this opportunity, once again, to celebrate some truly remarkable artists. While we are still in the midst of regaining our footing in many respects, we hope this can be a moment of inspiration and optimism for what lies ahead. Let’s continue to seek, as Johanna always did, truths and transformations in the magic of theatre, music, and dance.

Kirsten Hanson

Board Chair, Metcalf Foundation

2021 Winners

2021 Protégés

2021 Finalists

Highlights

Metcalf Foundation Announces Five Winners for the 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène

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Celebrating the 2021 Johannas
Metcalf Foundation Announces 15 Finalists for the 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène
Inaugural Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes Celebration
Winners of Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes on TVO’s The Agenda
CBC Radio’s Fresh Air Features Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes Winner Maryem Tollar and Protégé Demetrios Petsalakis
Radio Canada Interviews Musician Njacko Backo and Metcalf’s Michael Trent
Inaugural Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes Announced
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