2011 Molson Prize
On April 25, 2012, Simon Brault, Vice-Chair of the Canada Council’s Board of Directors, presented the 2011 Molson Prize for the arts to acclaimed Acadian artist Herménégilde Chiasson in a ceremony at Théâtre L’Escaouette, Moncton, N.B.
Artist Profiles and Success Stories
The opening night of Théâtre L’Escaouette’s production of La vieille femme près de la voie ferrée was the perfect occasion to present Herménégilde Chiasson with the Canada Council’s 2011 Molson Prize. Chiasson, an acclaimed Acadian poet, playwright, visual artist, filmmaker and artistic director, is the author of the play and a founding member of this thriving theatre company based in Moncton, N.B.
Chiasson’s art and commitment to Acadian culture has given Canadians across the country a deep appreciation for this vibrant community and its unique place in our cultural landscape. The first Acadian to win the Molson Prize, he has published 15 poetry collections, directed 17 films, written 25 plays (many of which toured nationally) and exhibited his artwork in over a hundred galleries. He is a former lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick, and a founding member of several of the province’s key arts organizations. Born in Saint-Simon (N.B.), Chiasson now lives in Grand-Barachois (N.B.) and teaches at Université de Moncton.
Two Canada Council Molson Prizes, worth $50,000 each, are awarded every year to distinguished Canadians, one in the arts and the other in the social sciences or humanities, in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. The prizes recognize the recipients’ outstanding lifetime achievements and ongoing contributions to the cultural and intellectual life of Canada.