The Portia White Prize is the largest prize of its type awarded by the Province of Nova Scotia and is named for Portia White, a Nova Scotian artist who rose through adversity to achieve international acclaim as a classical singer on the stages of Europe and North America.
Although Portia White began her career teaching in Africville, she eventually turned her energy to developing her enormous musical talent.
Portia White became a world-renowned contralto through much hard work and dedication and the financial support of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, a charitable organization created in 1944 by the Halifax Ladies Music Club, the music community and the Province.
The primary recipient, who is an established artist, either born in Nova Scotia or resident in the province for at least the past four years, will receive $18,000 and a certificate of recognition.
2024 Alan Syliboy[1] 2023 Juanita Peters 2022 Cyndi Cain 2021 Catherine Anne Martin 2020 Afua Cooper[2] 2019 John Little 2018 Ronald Bourgeois 2017 Susan Gibson Garvey 2016 Jerry Granelli 2015 Walter Kemp 2014 Scott Macmillan 2013 Laurie Swim 2012 Thom Fitzgerald 2011 James MacSwain[3] 2010 Mary Jane Lamond[4] 2009 Mary Vingoe[5] 2008 Walter Ostrom[6] 2007 Joleen Gordon 2006 Wayne Boucher[7] 2005 Walter Borden 2004 Jim Morrow 2003 Charlotte Wilson-Hammond 2002 Sylvia Hamilton 2001 Alistair MacLeod 2000 Garry Kennedy 1999 Georg Tintner 1998 George Elliott Clarke