Adrian has been named one of the finalists for the 2025 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène! Announced on January 28, 2025, he is among 15 finalists selected from a pool of 54 nominees.
ABOUT THE JOHANNAS
One of Ontario’s largest unrestricted awards for artists, The Johannas recognize mid-career artists making a significant impact in dance, theatre, and music/opera. The award celebrates artists in Ontario who have made a recognized impact on their fields and the public, while showing great promise in the ongoing pursuit of their ambitious and visionary practices.
Named in memory of Johanna Metcalf, who played a key role in the Metcalf Foundation for over 40 years, the award highlights the foundation’s commitment to supporting artists and fostering innovation in the performing arts.
A huge congratulations to the nominees:
• Adrian Sutherland, singer, songwriter, and musician
• Alain Doom, playwright and actor
• Christine Friday, choreographer, producer, and director
• d’bi.young anitafrika, dub poet, playwright, dramaturge, and scholar
• Donna Grantis, artist and musician
• Haviah Mighty, songwriter, vocalist, and producer
• Kevin Lau, composer
• Louis Simão, composer and musician
• Lua Shayenne, choreographer, dancer, and producer
• Marni Walsh, playwright, director, and actor
• Naishi Wang, choreographer and dancer
• Penny Couchie, choreographer and multidisciplinary artist
• Sarah Gartshore, playwright and director
• Vanese Smith, sound artist
• Weyni Mengesha, director
The nominees and finalists were chosen by peers in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council through project competitions in dance, music/opera, and theatre, as well as from Francophone, Indigenous, and Northern communities. To be eligible, artists must have been producing and presenting work for at least 10 years.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 5, 2025, at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. Five winners will each receive $25,000 and will select a protégé to be awarded $10,000, recognizing emerging talent. The remaining finalists will receive $2,000 each, with the total prize value reaching $195,000.
Founded in 1960, the Metcalf Foundation focuses on the performing arts, the environment, and inclusive local economies. The foundation continues to support artists shaping the future of the performing arts sector.