After 15 years heading up the Polaris Music Prize, founder Steve Jordan has announced that he is stepping down from his position as executive director.
Polaris made the announcement today, revealing that Jordan will be moving into a new role as senior director of CBC Music. He will continue to be involved with the Polaris Music Prize as a member of the board, but he will no longer be in the lead role.
The announcement makes no mention of who will replace Jordan as executive director, but events manager Claire Dagenais will be taking on an "expanded role."
Jordan offered this statement on his departure:
I've been really struggling to articulate the mixed emotions I have leaving something I started and have devoted myself to for the last 15 years. I'm sad to leave the day-to-day, but feel a lot of joy that Polaris, culturally and financially, is in the strongest position it's ever been. I have every confidence that the stewardship of the jury, our team, and our stakeholders will ensure Polaris continues with the integrity and vitality that people expect of it. It also feels good that so many of our sponsors and suppliers have been with us since the beginning and continue to support our mission of amplifying the musical excellence in this country. The various hands that touch Polaris throughout the year are all good hands to be leaving it in.
Jordan founded the Polaris Music Prize in 2006 to celebrate the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit alone. It initially carried a cash prize of $20,000, which has since been increased to $50,000 (with additional $3,000 prizes for shortlist nominees). Spinoff award the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize celebrates classic Canadian albums from past decades.
Polaris made the announcement today, revealing that Jordan will be moving into a new role as senior director of CBC Music. He will continue to be involved with the Polaris Music Prize as a member of the board, but he will no longer be in the lead role.
The announcement makes no mention of who will replace Jordan as executive director, but events manager Claire Dagenais will be taking on an "expanded role."
Jordan offered this statement on his departure:
I've been really struggling to articulate the mixed emotions I have leaving something I started and have devoted myself to for the last 15 years. I'm sad to leave the day-to-day, but feel a lot of joy that Polaris, culturally and financially, is in the strongest position it's ever been. I have every confidence that the stewardship of the jury, our team, and our stakeholders will ensure Polaris continues with the integrity and vitality that people expect of it. It also feels good that so many of our sponsors and suppliers have been with us since the beginning and continue to support our mission of amplifying the musical excellence in this country. The various hands that touch Polaris throughout the year are all good hands to be leaving it in.
Jordan founded the Polaris Music Prize in 2006 to celebrate the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit alone. It initially carried a cash prize of $20,000, which has since been increased to $50,000 (with additional $3,000 prizes for shortlist nominees). Spinoff award the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize celebrates classic Canadian albums from past decades.
