The Mary Jolliffe Award for Senior Arts Administrators was established in honour of Mary Jolliffe, an esteemed theatrical press agent and arts publicist.  Beginning in 2016, the triennial award will recognize the career and contributions made by an Ontario arts administrator in the field of arts communications, marketing and/or development in the non-profit arts sector.

Photo: Gary Beechey 

Mary Jolliffe’s professional career was devoted to supporting the arts in North America.  Her first role as a publicist was with the Stratford Festival at its beginning in 1953. From there Mary held numerous public relations roles including at the O’Keefe Centre in Toronto, the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, the Metropolitan Opera touring company in New York, Expo 67 in Montreal, the National Ballet of Canada, National Arts Centre, the Canada Council and the Ontario Arts Council. Her passion and commitment to promoting artists and arts organizations was lifelong and she left her mark at every organization. Mary was recognized for her efforts by being named to the Order of Canada in 1985.

Prize:  $5,000

Current Recipient
2016     Vivienne Muhling

Vivienne Muhling, 2016 recipient

News Releases
Vivienne Muhling is Honoured with the Inaugural Mary Jolliffe Award for Senior Arts Administrators   September 26, 2016