Artists compete for prestigious Phoenix Award recognition

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing development of the Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Master Plan, with a particular focus on finalizing the department's name. The current name has been deemed awkward, and discussions are underway to allow the comprehensive plan to determine the official title.

The meeting also addressed the budget for the Parks department, with concerns raised about potential cuts. However, officials confirmed that the budget has not yet been affected, providing some reassurance to attendees.

In a significant highlight, the committee reviewed applications for the 2025 Phoenix Award, which recognizes outstanding artists. Eight applications were received, a notable increase compared to previous years. The selection process involved a scoring system, with C Brian Young emerging as the top candidate, receiving 27.6 points. Other notable applicants included Mark Coward and Liza McKinnon, who scored 25.1 and 22.9 points, respectively.

Committee members expressed their satisfaction with the quality and quantity of applicants, emphasizing the importance of exposure for artists, regardless of the outcome. The recommendation to award the Phoenix Award to C Brian Young was unanimously supported by the committee, highlighting the strength of the applicant pool and the potential for future collaborations.