Portia White Prize

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The Portia White Prize is the largest prize of its type awarded by the Province of Nova Scotia and is named for Portia White, a Nova Scotian artist who rose through adversity to achieve international acclaim as a classical singer on the stages of Europe and North America.

Ms. White was born in Truro in 1911, the daughter of a Baptist minister and one of thirteen children. Having started as a school teacher in Africville, she turned her energies to her own musical development, which through hard work and dedication, and with financial support from the Province and the community, led to her becoming a world-renowned contralto. After retiring from the stage, and until her death in 1968, Ms. White devoted her time to teaching and coaching young singers. Her achievements continue to instill a sense of pride in the African Nova Scotian community and stand as a model to all Nova Scotians.

The purpose of the award is to recognize cultural and artistic excellence on the part of a Nova Scotian who has attained professional status and recognition as determined by the Selection Committee; and to enable the Province of Nova Scotia to promote excellence in the arts by honouring an outstanding Nova Scotian artist who has made a significant contribution to the province’s cultural life.