National Gallery of Canada, June 20, 2012
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Bonsoir, Mesdames et Messieurs. It is a pleasure for me to be here tonight. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Professional Artists Gala and the inaugural “Artifex” event in support of Ottawa’s artistic entrepreneurs.
J’aimerais saisir cette occasion pour accueillir tout le monde à l’activité inaugurale « Artifex » en soutien aux artistes entrepreneurs.
I would also like to congratulate Exploriem.org, protoypeD.org, and every artpreneur and entrepreneur as we celebrate the diversity of our city’s artistic community and industry.
Like you, the City of Ottawa is passionate about the arts.
That’s why:
• The City’s 2012 Budget included $12 million capital investment for the redevelopment of Arts Court, Ottawa’s centre for local arts organizations, including the Ottawa Art Gallery.
• The City has invested in the creation of a Major Events Office, in partnership with Ottawa Tourism, to attract major events to the nation’s capital, which will help grow the city’s tourism sector.
o Examples of major events include the 2012 JUNO Awards, which the City successfully hosted earlier this year.
o The JUNOS had an estimated economic impact of $10 million on the National Capital Region.
Well, tonight our artists in attendance include designers, new media creators, filmmakers, musicians, visual artists, writers and more.
Included within this talented group is well-known individual and entrepreneur, Bruce Firestone. I am pleased to be able to recognize Bruce this evening on the launch and release of his new book “Quantum Entity | We Are All ONE” – Book One of his new trilogy.
I would also like to recognize Director Janak Alford for his short film production, Quantum Entity, Generation Q, which is based on Bruce’s book. I am a science fiction fan, so I can’t wait to watch the film and read the book.
In addition to Janak Alford’s short film, his not-for-profit organization, prototypeD.org, is launching a new Ottawa-based industry here tonight – ‘film trailers’ – with all original material for new books, products and services.
Lastly, I would like to thank Jawad Rathore and Vince Petrozza of Fortress Real Capital who has made a huge commitment to our city by working with Brad Lamb and Lamb Development Corporation on impressive projects, including the Soba and Gotham condominium developments.
These projects not only add to the urban fabric of our city, but make it a more interesting place to live.
I understand that Jawad and Vince have something to present to Exploriem.org and their manager, Ms. Erika Godwin.
Jawad and Vince, if you would like to come join me here…
[Jawad Rathore and Vince Petrozza say a few words. Erika Godwin says a few words. Cheque is exchanged.]
Thank you, Jawad, Vince and Erika.
I would also like to remind everyone that Bruce and his family gave one of the most extensive and impressive collections of Canadian Art to the City of Ottawa, centred on the Group of Seven. With the $12 million capital investment for the redevelopment of Arts Court and the Ottawa Art Gallery I discussed above, the Firestone Collection will finally have a deserving place to be exhibited in.
In closing, this is a wonderful night for a great cause. Thank you for inviting me.
Merci beaucoup,
Jim Watson, Mayor
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