Cherry Karpyshin Arts Management Prize

Along with recognition and encouragement from Prairie Theatre Exchange’s leadership, the recipient will also be awarded $2,500 to support the advancement of their career and propel them on their professional journey through the arts.

The recipient of the award will be required to submit a report due one year after the announcement date. Full requirements of the report will be shared with the recipient.

The Award is named after PTE’s beloved former General Manager, Cherry, who led the company for over 30 years. She was and is deeply passionate about supporting artists, and it is our great honour to offer this award in her name to encourage the next generation of arts managers.

This award is generously supported in part by True North Real Estate Development.

2025 Recipient:
CRYSTAL HOOD

Crystal Hood (she/her) is a musician, turned business-woman, who now uses her artistic talents and business knowledge in the field of Arts Management. Making it to the semi-finals of the 'Funniest Winnipegger with a Day Job' competition, Crystal brings humour and positivity to brighten every day. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, she moved to Winnipeg twelve years ago, and she considers Manitoba to be Canada’s best kept secret with its vibrant Arts and Culture scene and friendly community.

Crystal is the co-Founder and Executive Director of Hood and Dagger Productions, a registered not-for-profit theatre company in Winnipeg. Founded in January 2024, Hood and Dagger Productions’ mandate is to “Build Community through Community Theatre”. Crystal’s motivation to create the organization resulted from her own personal experience with the positive mental health benefits of engaging in theatre, and wanting to provide opportunities for everyday Winnipeggers of all backgrounds and experience levels to enjoy the same incredible experience of being involved in theatre as well.

Crystal has been instrumental in establishing the company’s governance, by-laws, and policy systems, as well as the marketing, accounting, charity status application, and overall organization. Arts Management is often an aspect of theatre that is not glamourized, but Crystal enjoys being behind the scenes, elevating others, and removing friction points.

I am so incredibly grateful to have won the illustrious Cherry Karpyshin Arts Management Prize! The mentorship and encouragement from Prairie Theatre Exchange’s leadership is an absolute dream come true. I am so thankful to True North for funding this generous and important prize.

The Arts are essential for the quality of life and positive mental health of the community, and this prize encourages and supports the growth of new talent to manage new and existing Arts ventures. Mentorship is the essential next step for me as I seek to advance my professional journey through the Arts and interweave my Music and Business degrees together for the benefit of the community."