Globe and Mail: Godfather of Canadian Arts honoured with award

October 28, 2015 —

The Globe and Mail writes about U of M alumnus Peter Herrndorf [BA/62, LLD/06] who is known as ‘the godfather of Canadian arts’. Currently the president and CEO of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Herrndorf is being honoured by Business for the Arts as the first recipient of an award bearing his name, The Peter Herrndorf Award for Arts Leadership.

Peter Herrndorf, the “godfather of Canadian arts,” laughs when asked what it’s like to get an award that is named after him.
“It feels kind of strange, actually, but it feels terrific,” says Herrndorf, president and CEO of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, who will receive the Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award on Oct. 27. “The best thing about it is that Business for the Arts will be giving an award for arts leadership from here on in, every year, to people across the country … for leaders and professionals for doing the kind of work that they love.”

The 75-year-old Order of Canada Officer is being modest, of course. Herrndorf has enjoyed a lengthy and industrious career as a journalist, businessman and champion of the arts, and the award speaks to his deep commitment and lasting legacy.