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Oct. 14, 2026

Lethbridge celebrates arts community at 20th Annual Mayor’s Luncheon

Oct 14, 2026 | 5:13 PM

By: Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge

Artists, business leaders, community organizations, and arts supporters gathered Wednesday for the 20th annual Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, celebrating the people and organizations that help make Lethbridge a vibrant and creative community. 

Presented by the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge, the annual event recognizes the vital connections between arts, business, and civic leadership while honouring outstanding contributions to the local arts community. 

This year’s luncheon celebrated six award recipients: 

  • Aspiring Artist Award: Sifan Hossain, an accomplished young percussionist and drummer pursuing his artistic development alongside university studies. 
  • Young Artist Award: Ryan Jensen, an emerging artist whose work spans music, performance, and documentary photography. 
  • AACE Individual Award: Bente Hansen, recognized for decades of contributions to music education, performance, and community service. 
  • AACE Business Award: Theoretically Brewing Company, honoured for fostering creativity, connection, and community through its years of hosting local events. 
  • AACE Service Organization Award: CKXU 88.3 FM, recognized for its longstanding support of independent music, diverse voices, and community programming. 
  • Joan Waterfield Memorial Award: Betty Poulsen, celebrated for her lasting impact on dance education and the development of Lethbridge’s dance community. 

In his welcome message, Mayor Blaine Hyggen emphasized the arts’ important role in strengthening quality of life, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth. As the luncheon marks its 20th anniversary, it remains an important opportunity to recognize the partnerships and generosity that help Lethbridge’s arts community thrive. 

The Allied Arts Council extends its sincere thanks to the award recipients, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and attendees for their continued support of the arts in Lethbridge.