Dan Steeves (Chairman of SHMF), Kathryn McCarroll (ED of SHMF,) Peter Larocque (NBM)
Photo by Mountaindale Productions
During the annual Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation Awards ceremony, Peter Larocque, Head of Humanities and curator of Art at the New Brunswick Museum, was presented with the 2026 Arts Advocacy Award in recognition of his significant contribution to the province.
The Board of Directors’ Arts Advocacy Award recognizes someone whose contribution to the visual arts in New Brunswick has been extraordinary. For 40 years, Peter Larocque has been a passionate advocate, champion, and supporter of the visual arts in our province. As principal curator of the Strathbutler collection at the New Brunswick Museum, he has championed excellence in visual arts throughout the foundation’s history. He is a Fellow of the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and an honorary life-time member of the New Brunswick Historical Society.
The Arts Advocacy Award is given not simply because of the length of his career, but because of the depth of his commitment, the breadth of his knowledge, and the generosity of his spirit. Peter Larocque’s professional career has been defined by an unwavering belief in the importance of artists, the value of their work, and the essential role that art and arts organizations play in enriching our communities. Peter Larocque was influential in the founding of the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation and has worked with us for years to realize the vision of our patron, Sheila Mackay. We are proud to recognise him as the recipient of the 2026 Board of Director’s Arts Advocacy Award.
Larocque’s knowledge of New Brunswick art and artists is, quite simply, legendary. His understanding of the province’s artistic history, its creative talent, and its evolving visual arts landscape is remarkable. He knows the artists, their stories, their work, and the contributions they have made to our cultural identity. He has helped ensure that these stories are recognized, celebrated, and preserved.
His contribution goes well beyond his considerable knowledge and expertise. What truly distinguishes him is his commitment to people. He has consistently supported artists, encouraged their development, championed their achievements, and stood behind the organizations that provide them with opportunities to create, exhibit, and share their work. For many artists and arts organizations, Peter Larocque has been an invaluable colleague, an informed voice, a trusted ally, and a steadfast advocate. His support has made a tangible difference—not only in individual careers and organizational successes, but in the strength and vitality of the visual arts community throughout New Brunswick.
Advocacy is often about making sure that others are seen, heard, valued, and supported. Peter Larocque has spent four decades doing exactly that. His legacy is reflected not only in the art that has been collected, exhibited, and celebrated, but also in the many people whose lives and work have been strengthened by his encouragement and commitment.
It is particularly fitting that this 2026 recognition is accompanied by a donation to the New Brunswick Museum in Peter Larocque’s name. As excitement grows throughout New Brunswick in anticipation of the new museum facility, it is wonderful to know that Mr. Larocque remains a part of the leadership team in its development. This award is more than a tribute to a remarkable career. It is a five-thousand-dollar donation intended to support a project of Mr. Larocque’s choosing. Providing funds for a Larocque initiative is an investment in the renewal process underway.
The SHMF Arts Advocacy Award is a tangible mark of respect for Mr. Larocque’s interests, his knowledge, and his importance to the future of the visual arts mandate of the New Brunswick Museum. It is a celebration of many accomplishments over four decades. New Brunswick’s visual arts community is stronger because of Peter Larocque. Its artists have been better supported, its organizations better championed, and its cultural heritage more deeply understood and appreciated.