Janice Froese received the Volunteerism Award

The City of Richmond is pleased to congratulate the six winners of the inaugural Richmond Arts Awards, announced at a ceremony in Council Chambers on Friday, April 17, 2009.

Established to recognize the achievements and contributions to the arts by Richmond residents, artists, educators, organizers and business leaders, the Richmond Arts Awards are presented by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition and are sponsored by the Richmond News and Opacity Design Group Inc.

Janice Froese received the Volunteerism Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the arts in Richmond by supporting a Richmond-based artist or arts organization through volunteer service.

Since moving to Richmond in 1988, Froese has been part of the Richmond Orchestra and Chorus — as a singer, board member and volunteer marketing director until becoming the general manager in 2003. She has also volunteered her time and skills to several other organizations, including the BC Choral Federation, Richmond Music School, Richmond Youth Concert Band and Richmond Spirit of BC Arts Committee. In 2005, she sat as the founding chair of the Richmond Arts Coalition, helping to form the society’s mandate and mission, as well as managing its website. A passionate advocate for the arts, she received the Ethel Tibbits Award for the Arts in 2006.

In its first year, 41 nominations from the public were received for consideration for the awards. The selection panel was comprised of Jane Fernyhough, Arts, Heritage and Culture Manager for the City of Richmond; Sal Ferreras, Dean at School of Music, Vancouver Community College and a percussionist; Nicki Roberts, Vice-President of New Image Studios and co-chair of Richmond Chamber of Commerce Business and Arts Committee; and Robin White, Richmond Arts Coalition board member.