This short film pays tribute to Toronto philanthropist Earlaine Collins, recipient of the 2012 Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts. Generous and thoughtful, Collins speaks of her bond with performers, the importance of giving, and how much has music meant to her and her late husband from their very first days together.
Produced by the National Film Board of Canada in co-operation with the National Arts Centre and the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation on the occasion of the 2012 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.
Ages 13 to 17
Arts Education - Music
Civics/Citizenship - Ideologies
Family Studies/Home Economics - Consumer Awareness
Media Education - Advertising
Prior to viewing the film, have students complete a survey about public events they attend, including sports, entertainment, arts, etc. Graph the results or have students write analysis or reflection pieces. After screening the film, discuss the role of performing arts relative to other activities in the community. Compare the terms philanthropy, patronage and volunteerism, and how they differ from sponsorship in the context of professional sports. Have students research other historical examples of patrons of the arts.