Horror Video and Performance Artist, Jillian Mcdonald is the 2012 Canadian

Winner of the Glenfiddich International Artist-in-Residence Award

Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD University) Releases Jury Results

Toronto, March 21, 2012 – Andy Fairgrieve, Curator of the Glenfiddich International Artist in Residence program and OCAD University announced today that internationally acclaimed video and performance artist, Jillian Mcdonald is the 2012 Canadian winner of the highly-respected Glenfiddich Artist in Residence award. Ms. McDonald’s haunting video and performance art reflects her fascination with the American horror film genre and its use of fear as entertainment. Unlike horror films however, Mcdonald’s images of ghosts, zombies and vampires avoid extreme gore and violence as part of her narrative.

Edmonton born Mcdonald divides her time between New York City and Canada, and is notably one of only eight artists from around the world to be awarded the art community’s coveted prize to live and work at the distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. The three-month residency, valued at roughly $20,000 per artist, represents Glenfiddich’s commitment to the arts and the communities it serves.

Upon learning of the award, Ms. Mcdonald shared that, “I have never been to Scotland and I am so excited to create masks and costumes inspired by the folklore and the romance of the gothic landscape which evoke all sorts of horror associations”.

While in Dufftown the artists live in crofts at the distillery and are encouraged to find inspiration from their unique setting in the Scottish Highlands. One of the special benefits is the opportunity to work in an international artists’ community, to share in a dialogue with one another and to foster cross-disciplinary ideas. The Artist in Residence program covers the cost of travel, living expenses and working materials while at the residency.

Mr. Fairgrieve underscores that, “The program’s ethos is about encouraging people to take inspiration from their experience living at the distillery, whether that be the pioneering heritage of Glenfiddich, the surrounding environment, or the daily life of the distillery and local community, and to be as pioneering as possible – a mission our artists live and breathe during their three-month residency.”

“We are very proud that the Artist in Residence program appeals to so many of Canada’s leading and emerging artists,” says Mr. Fairgrieve. “The range and scope of the submissions is a true reflection of the creative exploration going on in Canada today.”

Over 100 artists from the far-reaching corners of Canada submitted proposals. Along with OCAD U curator and associate professor Charles Reeve, the selection committee also included Lisa Deane Smith, OCAD University assistant curator;  Vlad Spicanovic, Dean of the Faculty of Art at OCAD U; and Dave Dyment, 2008 Glenfiddich Artist-in-Residence. Reeve points out that the “Geography, age and interests provided a rich and broad range of entries as sweeping as the country and a collection of work that spans multiple genres, mediums and perspectives from the traditional to the avant garde”.

The Glenfiddich Artist-in-Residence program has sponsored more than 40 artists since its inception in 2002. Canadian artists have included Helen Cho (2011), Damian Moppett (2010), Arabella Campbell (2009), Dave Dyment (2008), Jonathon Kaiser (2007), Annie Pootoogook (2006) and Myfanwy Macleod (2005).

About OCAD University (OCADU)

OCAD University (www.ocad.ca) is Canada’s “university of the imagination.” The University, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.

About Onsite [at] OCADU

Formerly called “The Professional Gallery,” Onsite [at] OCADU (www.ocad.ca/onsite) was launched in 2007 with Rirkrit’s first solo exhibit in Canada. Since then, it has hosted solo and group shows featuring dozens of nationally and internationally significant contemporary artists and designers, enriching OCADU’s educational experience while helping to make this university an indispensable cultural resource for the region.

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family.  The Company distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts and one of the world’s best loved blended Scotches, Grant’s®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum and, most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

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