When the Canadian Conference of the Arts hosts its National Arts Awards ceremony in Toronto Sept. 15, it will give philanthropist Bluma Appel its Diplôme d'honneur.
Over the years, Appel has supported everything from opera to artist-run co-ops. The Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership will go to arts advocate Pat Durr, who has worked to secure artists' rights in copyright, taxation and health and safety.
The Diplôme d'honneur, recognizing sustained contribution to Canada's cultural life, has also been awarded to Oscar Peterson and Pierre Juneau.