Origin of the Awards

In 2002, Dr. Theodore Rozsa was named the recipient of the annual Edmund C. Bovey Award, an award that recognizes extraordinary achievements in arts philanthropy. Building on the $20,000 Bovey prize money, the Rozsa Foundation embarked on a collaborative venture to encourage best business practises in arts companies.

The Rozsa Foundation had just concluded an environmental scan of arts support in the community. It was apparent that the outstanding work of many Arts Managers typically went unnoticed, and, on the other hand, that the administrative weakness of countless arts organizations resulted in a poor public perception of the contribution of the arts to society. In addition, budget cuts in the early 1990's had led to the elimination of most middle management positions in arts companies. Senior managers were reaching retirement age, and no immediate successors were apparent. Those who found themselves "behind the scenes" typically had had no arts management training since only one provincial institution offers education in this area and the prevailing norm was just "on with the show". The Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management was created to address these realities.

The original Award partners included The Calgary Centre for Non-Profit Management who donated consulting services, administrative and marketing support; and the Alberta Performing Arts Stabilization Fund who contributed their expertise in the development of the selection criteria, as well as providing a strong communications link with the Calgary arts community and the Mayor's Luncheon for Business and The Arts. Financially, The Rozsa Foundation matched the Bovey monies, as did two other individuals. Additional smaller donations were also received.

The Goals of the Rozsa Awards:

• Further the philanthropic efforts of Drs Ted and Lola Rozsa in promoting good management practices in the Alberta arts community by offering a highly desired prize.
• Celebrate excellence in arts management through recognition of an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in arts management.
• Positively influence public perception of business leadership within arts management.
• Develop partnerships with organizations that can provide management and educational resources to further the success of arts companies.
• Provide an equal opportunity for all Alberta Arts organizations to participate in the Award, and ensure the Award Jury is seen to be fair and equitable in their proceedings.
• Advance the dialogue between the business and arts sectors.
• Rozsa Award Legacy: The legacy of the Rozsa Award lies in the achievement of the stated goals.