The Research and Renewal award was created to provide opportunities for local creatives to engage with archives, collections, and resources in developing research-based art projects. GAC supporter and volunteer Jason Nadon initiated the new award in 2021 for his love of Guelph Heritage and a deep dedication to the arts in this community.
Sadly and suddenly, Jason passed away on October 24, 2022 before he could see this year’s project through, but his legacy and love for the community has still left a lasting impact on the GAC and the art community. In honour of Jason and his dedication, GAC is honoured to continue the Research and Renewal Award under the new name, Jason Nadon Research and Renewal Award. The 2022 award will be funded by the GAC in memory of the late founder. To read more about Jason Nadon follow the link here.
GAC is excited to announce the 2022 Recipient of the Award to interdisciplinary artist Mei Lein Harrison.
Mei Lein plans to produce contemporary media that uses playful humour to engage with Guelph’s local history. Through short interview videos and corresponding artist’s books, they will investigate significant community members and spaces and their effect on Guelph’s arts and culture sector. Mei Lein seeks to bridge the gap between historical and present Arts culture by displaying its evolution and the social impact of cultural leaders.
Mei Lein Harrison is an emerging interdisciplinary artist, currently based in Oakville, whose creative practice centers around performance and aims to foster the interaction between the viewer and artwork. They utilize their intersectional experience as a Black and Asian, genderqueer, and lower class person, as well as their background in improvisational theatre, to create work that is nuanced, humorous, tactile, and socially engaged. Valuing mindfulness and connection through art; the introspective nature of their process; their propensity for collaboration; and, their love of dumpster diving for materials, Mei Lein employs an intimate approach to creating
Watch for updates on Mei Lein’s Project on GAC Social Media and at guelpharts.ca.
