The Philip Akin Black Shoulders Legacy Award is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to support and nurture young-in-craft Black Canadian theatre artists through financial support, artistic guidance, and national promotion. Up to five artists will be selected each year via submission and awarded a minimum $5,000 prize towards training and other opportunities that enhance and grow their artistic craft.

This award was founded in 2020 upon the conclusion of Philip Akin’s tenure as the Artistic Director of Obsidian Theatre. It is the first award of its kind, solely dedicated to the success of Black Canadian theatre artists. The fund is invested at the Shaw Festival Foundation as an Endowment Fund, and awards are distributed annually from an open call for submissions assessed by a national advisory of leading Black artists.

Once the endowment fund achieves $715,000 in donations, it will forever ensure a minimum of $25,000 in annual disbursements for the prize.

Join us and be a part of supporting Canadian Black artists for generations to come.