Arts for Mental Health Award
Presented by Mississauga Arts Council and sponsored by Bell, the Arts for Mental Health Award recognizes leaders and organizations which improve the health of individuals through arts programs and activities. This award is presented annually at the MACsquerade Ball to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that are making a difference in our community.
Winners of the Arts for Mental Health Award
(Photo by Gold Media)
Ian Hore and Ruth Watkiss, Memories to Music (2025)
Ian Hoare (Music Teacher, Mentor College) & Ruth Watkiss (Music Therapist, Alzheimer Society Peel) are the co-founders of Memories to Music, a program that captures the stories and legacies of persons living with dementia through the musical talents of high school music students.
“The Memories to Music program is a shining example of how the arts can transform lives,” commends Mike Douglas, Executive Director, MAC. “For 17 years, Ian and Ruth have connected high school music students with persons living with dementia, bringing joy, sparking cherished memories, and inspiring compassion. Congratulations, Ian and Ruth; we are honoured to celebrate the lasting impact of your remarkable work.”
(Photo by Adam Pulicicchio Photography)
Anu Srivastava (2024)
Exceptional community leader, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Founder of V Serve Canada, Anu Srivastava has a lifelong commitment to showcasing the transformative power of the arts on mental health and wellness.
“Anu’s many years of dedicated service championing the creation of organizations focused on community wellness through arts, music, and culture is outstanding,” compliments Mike Douglas, MAC’s Executive Director, “Her impressive achievements include founding V Serve Canada, a nonprofit focused on community wellness through arts, music and culture, the Living with Wellness Festival, and years of committed service to nonprofit organizations, including raising $14 million for Trillium Health Partners.”
(Photo by Adam Pulicicchio Photography)
Sybil Rampen (2023)
Founder of Joshua Creeks Heritage Art Centre, Sybil Rampen’s life focus has been sharing the healing powers of art with the community.
“At 94 years young, Sybil’s life-long work in championing therapeutic arts programs has been so inspiring and impactful,” praises Mike Douglas, MAC’s Executive Director, “Sybil’s joyful leadership and advocacy for arts for mental health has been instrumental for hundreds of participants in her arts-based programs at Joshua Creek Heritage Arts Centre, working with dozens of arts groups and Community Living Oakville. Congratulations Sybil, we applaud and thank you!”
Dr. Colin Saldanha (2022)
“Dr. Saldanha is a pioneer and staunch supporter of therapeutic arts programs and is well deserving of this award,” says Mike Douglas, MAC’s Executive Director, “He has been instrumental as a member of our steering committee in assisting with developing and shaping our Arts for Mental Health Conference held in October 2021, which brought together 130 healthcare practitioners and creative sectors leaders to explore the rationale for, design and implementation of ArtsCare. Congratulations Dr. Saldanha and thank you!”
Susan Ksiezopolski, Write Well (2021)
Susan Ksiezopolski was awarded the Arts for Mental Health Award in 2021 for her active work in the community, creating and sharing experiences that fuel a sense of well-being and support mental health through arts-based programs. In addition to her well-being workshops, she produced the Art of Wellness Documentary (2021), highlighting the health benefits of existing arts-based programs in Peel Region.
Anna Silgardo, Artists in Momentum (2019)
Anna Silgardo, founder of Artists in Momentum was presented with the award for her dedicated development of creative services for newcomer women and other groups of disadvantaged people suffering from moderate mental health obstacles. Her original and highly impactful programs led by professional artists, target participants who would benefit from creative expression, inclusion, and recognition.
Keitha McNeil, Mind Forward (2018)
The first Arts for Mental Health Award was presented to Keitha McNeil, CEO of Mind Forward Brain Injury Services. Mind Forward is a leader in using creative expression through arts activities, led by professional artists on-site, as principal therapeutic tools in assisting the recovery of clients suffering significant brain injuries.
Thank you to our Arts for Mental Health Award Sponsor, Bell Canada
