6 September 2016Ottawa organization among finalists for Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts_ (press release) _ Twelve finalists have been announced for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts .The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ontario’s arts community and its contributions to a strong, vibrant culture sector. Now in its 10thyear, the program recognizes artists and arts organizations whose contributions span a significant period of time.This year’s finalists are: ** Artist Award ** * Christi Belcourt -- Espanola, Visual Arts * David Buchbinder -- Toronto, Music * George Elliott Clarke -- Toronto, Literature * Dwayne Morgan -- Toronto, Literature * Lata Pada -- Mississauga, Dance * Larry Towell -- Bothwell, Media Arts ** Arts Organization Award ** * A Different Booklist -- Toronto, Literature * Dusk Dances -- Toronto, Dance * Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography -- Toronto, Visual Arts * International Festival of Authors -- Toronto, Literature * Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto -- Toronto, Media Arts * Mouvement d'implication francophone d'Orléans -- Ottawa, Multidisciplinary Finalists were selected by a jury of experts across arts and culture disciplines. The winners will be announced on October 5 during a reception at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.