Honour in the Arts Award

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2023 Honour in the Arts Award Recipient

Stephen Jefferys 

Stephen is the cofounder of Shakespeare Kelowna, formed over 30 years ago. He has helped bring the immortal words of Shakespeare to life in Waterfront Park, Okanagan wineries and local theatres, for both locals and tourists alike, with over 1,000 people attending last summer’s production of, As You like It. Stephen has also been involved with all our community’s theatre groups and last fall, directed and produced the new Trident Player’s production of The Fighting Season. As Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage,” and Kelowna is grateful we have Stephen Jeffery’s helping it to “play on.” 

Supported by:

Award Criteria

  • Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Kelowna through cultural and/or artistic efforts.  
  • Selections are based on the nominee's special accomplishments, contributions and awards for the year 2023.
  • Past information may be included, but should primarily be regarding the current award year.
  • Finalist selections are based solely on the information in the completed nomination package.

Check back in fall 2024 for information about the 50th annual awards nomination period.

Past Recipients of the Award
  • 2022 - Neil Cadger
  • 2021 - Jennifer Money
  • 2020 - Karma Lacoff Nieoczym
  • 2019 - Erin Scott
  • 2018 - Ryan Grenier
  • 2017 - Simone Orlando
  • 2016 - Karen Close
  • 2015 - Rosemary Thomson
  • 2014 - Jennifer Schell
  • 2013 - Glenna Turnbull
  • 2012 - Anna Jacyszyn
  • 2011 - Nathan Flavel
  • 2010 - Quinn Best
  • 2009 - Randy Leslie
  • 2008 - George Cwiklewski
  • 2007 - Wendy McCracken
  • 2006 - Gayle Liman
  • 2005 - Neal Facey
  • 2004 - Hugh Parsons
  • 2003 - Roslyn Frantz
  • 2002 - Rod Charlesworth 
  • 2001 - Dr. Jayne Brooks
  • 2000 - Alice Hargreaves
  • 1999 - Marina and Harold Pettman
  • 1998 - Gayle Stevenson 
  • 1997 - Fran Gebhard
  • 1996 – Michael Griffin & Denise Nahirney
  • 1995 – Deborah Helf
  • 1994 – Ella Hapi
  • 1993 – Colleen Kelly and Marnie Sullivan
  • 1992 – Val Bardot
  • 1991 – John Deschner
  • 1990 – Maev Brennan
  • 1989 – Wendy & Warren Sparks
  • 1988 – Penny Venables
  • 1987 – Doug & Barb Leadbetter
  • 1986 – Pear Slater
  • 1985 – Lynne Atkinson
  • 1984 – Stuart Gordon
  • 1982 – Mary McIntosh and Kay Smith
  • 1981 – Arthur Lo and Linda Tait
  • 1980 – Leslie Hopton and Linda Zimmerman
  • 1979 – Bill Bennett and Jan Woinoski
  • 1978 – Marjorie Denroche and Lloyd Hooper
  • 1977 – Mary Bull
  • 1976 – J. Garfield McKinley and Margot MacLaughlin