Smile Theatre: A Winner of the 2003 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for the Arts (The Jackman-Bickell Awards)

In a special ceremony held at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Smile was awarded a 2003 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Arts which came with a $10,000 cash prize. The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presided over the evening and stated, “I congratulate [the winners] on their creativity, ingenuity and hard work! These winners contribute to the enormous wealth of artistic experience that enriches the thriving cultural scene in Ontario.”

These esteemed Awards, which are Canada’s largest monetary prized for arts organizations, recognize Ontario-based arts organizations that have maintained a high level of artistic excellence while demonstrating exceptional community and private sector support.

Smile was one of 17 organizations awarded the honour, the top $50,000 prize being awarded to Tafelmusik. Smile was in good company -- the other theatre’s awarded were The Shaw Festival, The Stratford Festival, Soulpepper, CanStage, Drayton Entertainment & The Stirling Festival Theatre.

Tom Carson, Smile’s General Manager and Robert Johnstone, Past President of the Board accepted the award on Smile’s behalf.

“This award is very special for us, in light of Tom Kneebone, our beloved Artistic Director of fifteen years, having passed away only weeks ago,” said General Manager Tom Carson. “This recognition is a signal that Smile must continue in the important work that Mr. Kneebone was so passionate about. We are dedicated to upholding the excellence that Tom demanded -- we intend to honour him with a legacy of Smiles.”

Friday, November 28, 2003.