Brigitte Clavette
Carol Collicutt
Andrew Kierstead
The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation is proud to announce that three outstanding arts leaders — Brigitte Clavette, Carol Collicutt, and Andrew Kierstead — will be honored with Arts Advocacy Awards for their unique contributions to the arts community of New Brunswick. The awards will be formally presented on September 25th at Government House.
Through the work of these 3 remarkable leaders, New Brunswick’s cultural landscape has been enriched and strengthened. Throughout Ms. Clavette’s 9 year volunteer position as a director of the Foundation, her work has dramatically enhanced the career development programs of SHMF. Ms. Collicutt is a founding member of Gallery Connexion, served as chair of NB Arts Board and was a driving force on the Premier’s task force on the Status of the Artist legislation, which received Royal Assent on June 6, 2025. Mr. Kierstead has guided the evolution of Saint John Arts Centre to becoming regionally respected exhibition and education centre and most recently has played a leadership role in the establishment of the New Brunswick Art Centres Association, a professional association of Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, Florenceville-Bristol; AX, Sussex; Centre Culturel Aberdeen,Moncton; Centre des arts et de la culture de Dieppe; Centre des arts et de la culture d’Edmundston; Centre Culturel de Kent Sud, Saint John Arts Centre and Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre.
“Each of these honorees has enriched the artistic life of New Brunswick in remarkable ways,” said Kathryn McCarroll, SHMF Executive Director. “Their leadership, passion, and vision have inspired countless artists and audiences; they have built and sustained important institutions and we are privileged to celebrate their achievements. In their honor, SHMF is awarding 3 grants of $5000 to forward the goals of organizations designated by these arts advocates.”
Through its annual recognition of arts leaders, the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation reaffirms its mission to support and encourage the development of the arts in New Brunswick, celebrating those whose contributions have had a lasting and transformative impact.
About the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation
The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts in New Brunswick. Through awards, scholarships, and strategic grant initiatives, the Foundation fosters artistic growth, honors excellence, and strengthens the cultural fabric of the province.