The prestigious JC Williamson Award is awarded by Live Performance Australia to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the live performing arts industry in Australia, and this year the award will go to two massive proponents of the industry from two very different worlds – Kylie Minogue and David Blenkinsop.
Kylie Minogue is an icon of the Australian live entertainment industry, having won hearts and commercial success since she burst onto the music scene 25 years ago. While she’s sold more than 70 million albums, she’s perhaps best known for her box office smashing live tours.
“My deepest gratitude to Live Performance Australia for the JC Williamson Award. What an honour to be included in such incredibly talented and inspirational company. A moment like this makes me so proud to represent the Australian entertainment industry. As a country we have, and we nurture, extraordinary talent. Long may this continue! I would also like to thank all my fans who have supported me for so many years and encouraged me to become the artist I am today. They have all played a role in helping me reach this special moment. Also, my congratulations to David Blenkinsop whom I am thrilled to be sharing the award with this year!” Kylie said.
David Blenkinsop for 23 years guided the Festival of Perth, taking it from a small, locally-focused event to an international arts festival covering the gamut of arts and taking its place as one of the country’s premier events. Blenkinsop not only bought in countless prestigious international artists, but commissioned and showcased the work of locals.
“Now it is me who is quite overwhelmed and honoured by the fact that ‘Live Performance Australia’ wishes to award me a prestigious JC Williamson Award. It is most gratifying to know that my peers remember not only ‘my’ festivals but also my involvement in other arts’ organisations, and to them all, I say a heartfelt ‘thank you,’” David said.
Past winners of the JC Williamson Award include Dame Joan Sutherland OM AC DBE, Barry Humphries AO CBE, Michael Gudinski AM, John Farnham AO and Graeme Murphy AM. Both Kylie and David will be honoured at the Helpmann Awards ceremony in Sydney on Monday 29 July.
Andrew Kay, President of Live Performance Australia said, “We are thrilled to announce Kylie Minogue and David Blenkinsop as this year’s 2013 JC Williamson recipients. They join the ranks of a group of individuals who in their own way, and in their own field, have made extraordinary contributions to shaping and changing the landscape of our dynamic live entertainment industry.”
The full list of Helpmann Nominees was announced last week in the lead up to the ceremony on Monday 29 July.
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