Mr. Speaker, the Venice biennale is considered the most prestigious international competition of contemporary visual art, indeed the Olympics of visual art. As such, it brings me the greatest honour to acknowledge the accomplishments of Canadians at this competition.
Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller's production, The Paradise Institute , was the recipient of the Venice biennale special award, the most prestigious award offered at the competition. It is the first time Canadians have been awarded this honour.
The 15 minute audio-video production was commissioned by Wayne Bearwaldt, the adjunct curator of the Plug In Gallery. I am very proud that this gallery, nestled in the exchange district of Winnipeg, played such a pivotal role in this accomplishment and proved that it is capable of handling shows of the highest international standard.
I look forward to Mr. Bearwaldt's planned exhibition of The Paradise Institute at the Plug In Gallery and urge everyone to come out and view this highly acclaimed piece.