Sara Diamond and Justine Bizzocchi of the Banff New Media Institute (BNMI) at The Banff Centre are finalists in separate categories for the 4th annual Canadian New Media Awards (CNMA). Diamond, artistic director/executive producer, Media & Visual Arts at The Banff Centre, is a nominee in the prestigious “New Media Visionary” category. Bizzocchi was nominated for “Producer of the Year” in recognition of her work with HorizonZero (www.horizonzero.ca), the lush new Web space devoted to digital art and culture in Canada

Hosted by celebrity Jian Ghomeshi, the Canadian New Media Awards recognize excellence and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and companies in the Canadian new media industry. The awards ceremony takes place in Toronto on June 2, 2003. For a complete listing of CNMA nominations, visit www.cnma.ca.

“These new media awards recognize the industry’s most prominent advocates and entrepreneurs - creative, innovative Canadians who are continually breaking new ground,” says Diamond.  “I am honoured to have received this nomination.”

Winner of the prestigious Educator of the Year at the CNMA in 2002, Diamond is internationally respected as a television, new media, and visual artist as well as a critic, teacher, and curator. She has produced award-winning television and new media projects. Her work at The Banff Centre includes overseeing the BNMI, and acting as editor-in-chief of HorizonZero.

Bizzocchi produced The Banff Centre’s web publication, HorizonZero, through its inaugural year, and first seven issues.  She has over 25 years experience working in film, television, and new media both independently and with organizations such as the National Film Board of Canada, the Centre for Image and Sound Research, and the BC Institute of Film Professionals. Bizzocchi has also been active over many years with non-profit organizations such as Vancouver Cooperative Radio, Cineworks film production co-op, and Women in Film & Video Vancouver.

The BNMI at The Banff Centre is proud to contribute to the training and professional development of Canada’s new media artists through summits, workshops, co-productions, co-developed programs, and production. The institute provides an environment for collaborative research; dialogue; co-production, and research of new media works; and a place for career development. In 2002, Shift magazine described the role of the BNMI:"If you're good it is a rite of passage to eventually find your way to Banff (where you will find) a unique mix of powerful and creative minds."