Ann Speedie

Details

Inductee: Ann Speedie

Year inducted: 2006

About:

For more than 30 years, Ann Speedie’s mission was to bring culture to Niagara Falls. Ann was originally a board member of the Community Concerts but was concerned with the American slant. In 1975, Ann, along with other volunteers, founded Niagara Concerts, serving as President for several years and representing Niagara Concerts on the Ontario Arts Council. In addition, her responsibilities included researching and booking various artists for each season. Outspoken, eccentric, and passionate about the Arts in Niagara Falls, Ann was acclaimed by her peers as “unstoppable - the enthusiastic and energized member of the board.”

In 1992, Ann was the recipient of the prestigious “Community Honours - Lescarbot Award,” presented by Rob Nicholson, Member of Parliament on behalf of the House of Commons, for her many outstanding contributions to the cultural sector of our region. She has also received recognition from the Famous People Players.

Along with many advisory capacities, Ann was also one of the founding members of the Arts and Culture Commission, where she served until 1997. She had also been involved with the local Opera Guild and was a member of the Shaw Festival Committee and the Kingsbridge Theatre in Chippawa. Ann was also instrumental in keeping the auditorium at Kingston College (formerly Niagara Falls Collegiate Vocational Institute) open.

Ann Speedie passed away on December 15, 2004. She is greatly missed by those who knew her and by those enriched by her passion for the arts.