John O'Dea - Patron of the Arts

John O'Dea

 Business and Arts NL is very proud to congratulate one of our founding board members, John O'Dea, who will be presented with the Patron of the Arts Award by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council on Friday, July 7th.

The long list of organizations and individuals who have nominated John for this honour frequently reference his "quiet", "selfless", "unassuming" manner, as he throws his support behind one cause after another. John has worked quietly and tirelessly to support Opera on the Avalon, the Garrick Theatre, English Harbour Arts Association, Random Passage Trust, the Fresh Fish Award, The Rooms Foundation, Visual Arts NL's EVA Awards, and the Tuckamore Festival, not to mention the vital role he plays as a member of the Board and the Executive Committee of Business and Arts NL.

The impact of John's long-standing contributions to the creative sector in our province cannot possibly be measured in dollars, hours, or handshakes. We, and many others, are extremely grateful for the important contribution he has, and continues to make towards ensuring that our province is a vibrant, creative, evolving  place, not only because of the work of our artists, but also because of the support from the community at large. Thank you, John, and congratulations!