BRAMPTON, ON (September 16, 2021) – The City of Brampton is proud to announce Canadian poet and author Ian Williams as the 2021 inductee into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame. The induction ceremony and celebration of Williams’ work will take place on October 5 from 8 – 9:30 pm in a live virtual broadcast event from The Rose, in collaboration with the Festival of Literary Diversity (The FOLD). Jael Richardson, founder and Executive Director, The FOLD, will interview Williams about his career, Brampton roots, and words of wisdom for aspiring writers. Williams will also treat viewers to a reading of his work.

Ian Williams is the author of six books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. His debut novel Reproduction won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2019. Part of the novel takes place in Brampton, where Williams grew up and attended Sir John A. MacDonald Senior Public School and Mayfield Secondary School. He won the Raymond Souster Award for his poetry collection, Word Problems, which considers the ethical and political issues of our time as math and grammar problems.

Williams completed his Ph.D. at the University of Toronto where he is also a tenured Professor of English. In 2022, he will be the Visiting Fellow at the American Library in Paris.

Since 2014, the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame has been one of the City of Brampton’s key recognition programs, celebrating and building connections with the extraordinary artistic and creative talent emerging from the city, while inspiring the next generation of artists and creators. The Brampton Arts Walk of Fame currently features 21 inductees including Russel Peters, Michael Cera, Rupi Kaur, Director X, Zarqa Nawaz, Othalie Graham, Trey Anthony and more.

Free tickets for The City of Brampton Celebrates Ian Williams: A Brampton Arts Walk of Fame Induction Event, are available at therosebrampton.ca. Ticket holders who tune into the live virtual event will be eligible to win a signed copy of Williams’ new book Disorientation.

Brampton City Council also approved the 2022 inductee Denise Jones, a long-time Brampton resident, CEO and co-founder of Jones & Jones Productions, founding Chair of the Juno Awards reggae category and one of Canada’s Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women (2018). She will be posthumously celebrated for her work and impact on Canadian music next year.


For more information, visit brampton.ca/artswalkoffame



Quotes

“Congratulations to Ian Williams on your success, accomplishments and upcoming induction into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame. This recognition honours artists’ achievements, connections to Brampton and their influence on arts and culture on a wider-scale, including the next generation of artists. Brampton is so proud of Ian Williams and his contributions to the creative industry and our community.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“I am honoured to recognize Brampton’s artists and creators, who share their deeply personal and unique stories with us. Congratulations to Ian Williams on this incredible accomplishment and for including Brampton in your story and creative journey.”

- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of BramptonRowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“The Brampton Arts Walk of Fame program is special for Brampton, one where we have the opportunity to recognize the achievements of our artists, putting this City on the map as one where we celebrate culture, creativity and diversity. Brampton is full of outstanding talent and recognizing accomplished artists like Ian Williams makes Brampton artists proud to call this city home.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton


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