NSCAD alum Duane Jones (BDes 2004) , creative director and founder of the lifestyle brand and podcast Art Pays Me, is likely as well known for his positive leadership in addressing social justice concerns as he is for his unflappable dedication to helping fellow artists embrace creative empowerment and their collective value.
In addition to managing and living his brand, Duane finds time to serve on the NSCAD President’s Advisory Council on Anti-Racist Initiatives (PADCARI) and the NSCAD Board of Governors, and he is also the current president of the NSCAD Alumni Association.
Duane’s commitment to make the world a better place for artists and people in general was recently honoured by My East Coast Experience, a marketing and media organization that celebrates the stories and lives of new immigrants who have found success in Atlantic Canada (Duane came to NSCAD from Bermuda).
He was selected as one of The Most Inspiring Immigrants In The Maritimes 2021, an initiative that celebrates the contributions of our region’s “unsung heroes who have given back to the communities that have welcomed them and become their new home.” The awards are also a celebration of optimism and the positive impact the winners have on promoting diversity and the rich, multicultural traditions that make our communities thrive.
“It’s a sincere pleasure to see Duane being recognized for his work to raise the profile of the creative economy and to drive constructive dialogue on the challenges marginalized artists face,” said NSCAD Interim President Sarah McKinnon, PhD. “His energy and authenticity truly reflect his mantra to ‘Do the thing that inspires you,’ and I greatly value the leadership and insight he brings to PADCARI and NSCAD’s board.”
Like virtually every event around the globe for the last 10 months or so, the usual gala celebration for the awards shifted to a virtual affair on January 15. You can watch Global TV’s story on this year’s awards here.