Ottawa, Thursday, September 25, 2008

It is a pleasure for my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and me to be here with you this evening to recognize this important initiative in favour of emerging artists across Canada.

In a world in which we are bombarded by images, we can become strangely blind to everything around us.

But our artists encourage us to see things differently, to look beneath the surface.

Yes, you, the artists, reveal to us something of the intangible, of the essential and of the truth, allowing us a glimpse of the world through your eyes.

You show us life as it exists behind outward appearances, as Jacques Ferron once wrote.

Your vision can be at times serious, at times playful, always unique. It never leaves us feeling indifferent.

We often say that a work of art speaks to us.

The truth is, each work of art, in its own way, invites us to engage in an unspoken dialogue of the eyes and the mind.

These works question us, challenge us, provoke us, compel us to stop and to reflect, as you share your perspectives on issues of global concern.

It is this questioning, this search for meaning and understanding, that allow us to make sense of the world around us and of the fears and desires that each of us holds within.

Without you, without your works, our imaginations would be weakened; our world would be without a soul.

And so, this competition is meant to encourage you, to tell you to continue.

To continue opening our eyes to new realities and expanding our horizons without end.

I sincerely hope that these prizes, a recognition of your work, will help you to further your exploration and provide you with the means to share your work and your art, which have enriched our cultural vitality and brought joy into our lives.

Bravo and thank you, from the bottom of my heart.