FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMILTON, ON – The incite Foundation for the Arts is pleased to announce that the 2017 incite Award was presented to Wally Pieczonka, a long-time champion of the arts in the Hamilton – Burlington region.

The incite Award for the Arts celebrates members of the community who through their commitment, philanthropic leadership and passion have made important contributions to advancing the arts in the greater Hamilton region.

In presenting the award, Maggie Carr, a member of the incite Foundation Advisory Committee, recalled the financial struggle that many cultural institutions experienced during the difficult economic times in the 1980s and 1990s. By establishing the Bay Area Arts Stabilization Fund, Wally Pieczonka enabled arts organizations, including the HPO, gain the breathing room they needed to regain their financial stability and thrive.

Through the Pieczonka Family Foundation and the Mavis Pieczonka Memorial Fund, he continues to make important contributions to the HPO, the Symphony on the Bay, the Burlington Art Gallery, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and McMaster University, to name a few.

“Wally’s contribution to the Hamilton arts landscape not only allowed organizations like the HPO to become more financially stable, but also allowed us to thrive and serve our community in relevant and innovative ways,” said Diana Weir, Executive Director, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

“His belief in the accessibility of the arts for a breadth of people in the region is inspirational not only for our organization, but it has impacted how we deliver our programs in classrooms and throughout the community. With the support of the Pieczonka Family Foundation we’re able to present artistically stimulating music on the mainstage, and also be present in schools across Hamilton. We are proud to have Wally in our family of donors, and congratulate him on this well-earned recognition.

2017 marks the fifth year that the incite Award for the Arts has been presented. Previous recipients are: Dr. Michael and Mary Romeo, Alan and Marlies Clark, Ron and Donna Patterson and Dr. Robert Summers-Gill.

Founded in 2011, the incite Foundation for the Arts is dedicated to revolutionizing support for the arts in the Hamilton community.


For more information contact:
Janet Mowat
Incite Foundation for the Arts
[e] janet.mowat@gmail.com
[t] (416) 315-5241