Arni Thorsteinson, left, and Susan Glass were recently awarded for their many years and contributions to the arts communities across Canada.Philip Maglieri/Supplied
The organizers: Arni Thorsteinson and Susan Glass
The pitch: Contributions to numerous arts organizations
Like a lot of children, Susan Glass took ballet lessons while growing up, but she had no idea at the time that her teacher in Prince Albert, Sask., had been taught by a world-famous ballet company.
“I learned a few years ago that my ballet teacher had been trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet,” Ms. Glass recalled. “Little did I know that I was taking dance lessons from somebody who was extremely well qualified.”
Ms. Glass said the top-notch instruction likely helped her develop a lifelong passion for the arts, something she shares with her husband, Arni Thorsteinson, who is president of Winnipeg-based developer Shelter Canadian Properties Ltd. The couple, who live in Winnipeg, have spent years contributing to the local and national arts scene through their involvement in more than a dozen organizations.
Ms. Glass is chair of the National Arts Centre Foundation, and they both helped lead a $100-million fundraising campaign. They are also long-time supporters of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Mr. Thorsteinson was the founding chair of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and helped raise $150-million.
The couple were recently awarded the Edmund C. Bovey Award, which recognizes business leaders and philanthropists dedicated to strengthening the arts in Canada.
Mr. Thorsteinson and Ms. Glass said they were honoured to receive the award and they hope it encourages others in the business community to support the arts.
“The arts are very difficult to raise funds for and so we, by choice, support them to set an example and to support things that we believe in,” Ms. Glass said.
“A lot of our citizens are having a pretty tough go of it, and if you can assist in providing an artistic performance or visit to a gallery or a museum, that can bring a moment or a day of great joy to their lives and just make life more enjoyable and bearable,” Mr. Thorsteinson said.
Ms. Glass still loves watching live performances of ballet and just about anything else. “I was very fortunate to be exposed to the arts as a kid, and I think that’s the best way to promote that kind of support; start young and it just becomes a natural part of your life.”
