DR. MENAKA THAKKAR 2013 Laureate for Dance of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement

DR. MENAKA THAKKAR 2013 Laureate for Dance of the Governor General’s

Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement

On April 10, 2013, Dr. Menaka Thakkar was named a 2013 laureate of the prestigious Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. Laureate individuals are honoured for their outstanding body of work and enduring contribution to the performing arts in Canada.

Created in 1992 under the distinguished patronage of the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, these prestigious awards are presented annually to Canadians whose accomplishments have inspired and enriched the cultural life of our country. The Awards are regarded as the ultimate recognition in Canada’s performing arts.“The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only the careers of notable

artists, but also those who give of their time, talent and resources to the arts,” said His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. “I look forward to welcoming all the laureates to Rideau Hall and to acknowledging their contributions as cultural ambassadors.”

Menaka Thakkar is one of six artists who are being honoured for their work in dance, theatre, music, or film. The Governor General’s Performing Arts Award follows a previous major award for life achievement in dance, the Canada Council Walter Carsen Prize which was presented in fall 2012.  These two awards along the an Honourary Doctorate (D.Litt) from York University in 1993 mark the first time an artist from outside western dance has received these honours. The 2013 laureates will be honoured at various events in Ottawa from May 30 to June 1. On May 30, the recipients will be introduced in the House of Commons, and will then attend a parliamentary reception. On May 31, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Awards at a special ceremony and reception at Rideau Hall. On June 1, the National Arts Centre will host a sparkling Gala to celebrate the 2013 recipients, a star-studded celebration featuring superb performances, evocative film portraits, and personal tributes by guest stars.

All Canadians can take part in the excitement by watching the red carpet portion of the evening, which will be live streamed on the National Arts Centre’s website at www.nac-cna.ca.

Tickets for the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala on Saturday, June 1, 2012 are on sale to the general public on as of Wednesday April 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time at the NAC Box Office and through Ticketmaster, 1-888-991-2787 orwww.ticketmaster.ca. For more information visit the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation website: www.ggpaa.ca(English) or www.pggas.ca (French).

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