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Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council congratulate Joel Plaskett who has been selected to receive the 2025 Portia White Prize.
Joel Plaskett
For over three decades, Joel Plaskett has been one of Canada’s most inventive and celebrated songwriters. From his early days with Thrush Hermit to his eclectic solo albums and work with The Emergency, Plaskett’s music spans heavy riff rock, lo-fi folk, and sprawling concept records like Three (2009), Ashtray Rock (2007), and 44 (2020). His latest, One Real Reveal (2024), strips songwriting to its raw essence. A beloved live performer, he’s headlined Massey Hall, collaborated with the NAC Orchestra, and shared stages with Paul McCartney and The Tragically Hip. With JUNOs, ECMAs, and Polaris nods to his name, Plaskett remains rooted in Nova Scotia, recording at his Dartmouth studio Fang, producing for artists like Mo Kenney and Jimmy Rankin, and curating community events like Window Inn Wednesdays. In 2025, his influence was further cemented with Songs From the Gang, a star-studded tribute album featuring Arkells, Sloan, Bahamas, Rose Cousins, and more.
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About the Award
The Portia White Prize recognizes an outstanding professional Nova Scotian artist, who has attained mastery and recognition in their discipline and has made a significant contribution to the province’s cultural life over a sustained career.
This award helps showcase the recipients’ work to residents of the province and to people beyond our borders. This visibility will encourage artistic and economic well-being for the recipients and contribute to the health of Nova Scotia’s artistic sector in support of a well-rounded community.
The recipient of the prize receives $18,000.
The recipient selects a protégé, or secondary recipient, who is an emerging Nova Scotia artist or a Nova Scotia cultural organization. The protégé receives $7,000.
2025 Protégé
Joel Plaskett has selected Crescendo Fest as the 2025 protégé.
Crescendo Fest
Crescendo Fest was created to turn up the volume on African Nova Scotian and Black artists who have long been underrepresented within Atlantic Canada’s music scene. Founded in 2023 by Micah Smith, the festival stands as a powerful celebration of Black music, culture, and excellence — a space built by and for our community.
Rooted in Nova Scotia, home to Canada’s largest Indigenous Black community, Crescendo Fest is more than a stage — it’s a movement. The festival showcases the depth, creativity, and resilience of Black artistry while creating economic opportunities within the community. Whenever possible, Crescendo Fest partners with African Nova Scotian suppliers and highlights Black-owned businesses across Nova Scotia, ensuring that the celebration of Black culture extends beyond the stage.
Since its launch, Crescendo Fest has been recognized for its growing impact, earning consecutive Music Nova Scotia Live Sector Award nominations (2023 & 2024) and the African Nova Scotian Music Association Development Award in 2025.
Crescendo Fest exists to amplify our stories, strengthen our communities, and share the brilliance of Black music with Atlantic Canada and the world.
COMMUNITIES/CULTURE/TOURISM/HERITAGE—Creative Nova Scotia Awards Celebrate Artistic Excellence
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The 20th annual Creative Nova Scotia Awards were presented in Halifax on Sunday evening, November 2, celebrating excellence in artistic achievement.
This year’s top honour, the Portia White Prize, was presented to celebrated musician and producer Joel Plaskett, recognizing his outstanding contribution to Nova Scotia’s cultural life over a career spanning three decades. Plaskett named Crescendo Fest, a new festival showcasing Black music artists, as the recipient of the accompanying protégé prize.
“Nova Scotia’s creative community continues to inspire us all,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “The artists we’re celebrating tonight enrich our communities, strengthen our identity and help share the spirit of Nova Scotia with the world.”
Other award recipients include:
- Black Artist Recognition Award: Aquakultre (Lance Sampson) – Halifax rapper, songwriter and storyteller whose third album, 1783, will be released in February 2026.
- Indigenous Artist Recognition Award: Morgan Toney – JUNO-nominated Mi’kmaw fiddler and singer.
- Creative Community Impact Award: Le Conseil des Arts de Chéticamp – for its commitment to promoting and preserving Acadian language and culture through inclusive, high-quality programming.
- Established Artist Recognition Awards: Christopher Webb (multidisciplinary visual artist) and Solomon Nagler (filmmaker, poet and community activist).
- Emerging Artist Recognition Awards: Nicola Miller (saxophonist and composer), Leah Johnston (filmmaker from Truro), and Vivian Zhou (cartoonist and illustrator).
- Prix Grand-Pré: Yvette d’Entremont – singer-songwriter, playwright, producer, documentarian and educator.
Quick Facts:
- the Creative Nova Scotia Awards are presented by Arts Nova Scotia and the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council
- the event was held at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax, and was produced by live art company HEIST and hosted by theatre artists Zuppa
- the Portia White Prize provides $18,000 to the recipient and $7,000 to the protégé, or secondary recipient, who is an emerging artist or a cultural organization.
- collectively, this year’s awards represent $75,000 in prizes
Additional Resources:
Award recipients’ biographies: https://artsns.ca/newshttps://artsns.ca/news
Award descriptions: https://artsns.ca/programs
The Portia White Prize: https://artsns.ca/programs/portia-white-prize
Media Conact: Briony Carros, Director, Arts Nova Scotia, (902) 240-8278, briony.carros@novascotia.ca
