Portia White Prize

The Portia White Prize is the largest prize of its type awarded by the Province of Nova Scotia and is named for Portia White, a Nova Scotian artist who rose through adversity to achieve international acclaim as a classical singer on the stages of Europe and North America. Although Portia White began her career teaching in Africville, she eventually turned her energy to developing her enormous musical talent. Portia White became a world-renowned contralto through much hard work and dedication and the financial support of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, a charitable organization created in 1944 by the Halifax Ladies Music Club, the music community and the Province. Upon retiring from the stage, Ms. White devoted her time to teaching and coaching young singers. Her achievements continue to instill a sense of pride in the African Nova Scotian community and stand as a model to all Nova Scotians.

The purpose of the Portia White Prize is to recognize cultural and artistic excellence on the part of a Nova Scotian artist who has attained professional status, mastery and recognition in their discipline. To enable the province of Nova Scotia to promote excellence in the arts by honouring an outstanding Nova Scotian artist who has made a significant contribution to the province’s cultural life.

The primary recipient, who is an established artist, either born in Nova Scotia or resident in the province for at least the past four years, will receive $18,000 and a certificate of recognition.

A secondary recipient, also called the "protégé", who is an emerging Nova Scotian artist or a Nova Scotian cultural organization selected by the primary recipient, will receive $7,000 and a certificate of recognition.

Recipients
2020 Afua Cooper

2019     John Little

2018     Ronald Bourgeois

2017     Susan Gibson Garvey

2016     Jerry Granelli

2015     Walter Kemp

2014     Scott Macmillan

2013     Laurie Swim

2012     Thom Fitzgerald

2011     James MacSwain

2010   Mary Jane Lamond

2009	Mary Vingoe

2008   Walter Ostrom

2007	Joleen Gordon

2006	Wayne Boucher

2005	Walter Borden

2004	Jim Morrow

2003	Charlotte Wilson-Hammond

2002	Sylvia Hamilton

2001	Alistair MacLeod

2000	Garry Kennedy

1999	Georg Tintner

1998	George Elliott Clarke