Kathleen Richardson, C.C., O.M.

honour roll inductee

Biography

From 1955 to 1963, Kathleen Richardson was a member of the Board of Directors of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. She sat as its President from 1957 to 1961. Ms. Richardson was named the RWB’s Honorary President in 1963, in recognition of her leadership. She held this designation until her death in September 2019.

As Board President, Ms. Richardson hired Arnold Spohr as Artistic Director, a position he held for 30 years. Her vision and leadership ensured the RWB survived and thrived over the years. She was an active and persuasive fundraiser and encouraged support from across Canada. Among the numerous successes achieved on behalf of the RWB, Ms. Richardson chaired the fundraising campaign to build the Ballet’s permanent home at 380 Graham Avenue.

Ms. Richardson was a true friend of the artists who have danced at the RWB. Described by Evelyn Hart as the dancers’ “Fairy Godmother”, Ms. Richardson endeared herself to the RWB’s artists, staff, and volunteers for her unwavering commitment to their work. She had long-lasting and trusted relationships, offered support and sustenance (she was known to send snacks during grueling periods of rehearsal) to the artists of the RWB.

Ms. Richardson’s support of the arts in Winnipeg is legendary. She has also volunteered on the boards of the Manitoba Arts Council, Dalnavert Museum, Stratford Festival, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Pan-Am Games Society, and The Winnipeg Foundation. In recognition of this support, Miss Richardson was named an Officer of the Order of Canada (1973) and Companion (1994). Ms. Richardson also received the University of Manitoba Jubilee Award (1975)) and The University later honoured her with an Honourary Doctorate of Law (1989). In 1991, Ms. Richardson was named as the inaugural winner of the Edmund Bovey Award by the Council for Business and the Arts in Canada. She became a Member of the Order of Manitoba (2005), received the Arts Champion Award for Arts Patronage from the Winnipeg Arts Council (2007) and received the Royal Canadian Academy of Artists Medal for outstanding contribution to the Arts (2007).