The recent Impact Awards featured a unique presentation by the Ontario Science Centre, where Vishnu Ramcharan announced the 2022 Innovation in Mas’ Award recipients. This award highlights the intricate science, technology, and artistry in Toronto’s Mas’ community, whose costumes are a celebrated part of Caribbean Carnival.

Ramcharan’s remarks highlighted the Ontario Science Centre’s dedication to celebrating the technical expertise within Mas’ design. “We’ve been doing this award show for quite a while, not just for the costumes but for the processes involved,” he explained. The Science Centre’s involvement goes beyond the awards, visiting Mas’ camps, conducting interviews, and performing tests that recognize designers’ mastery and creative evolution over time.

The top award went to Candice Dixon, a designer known for integrating traditional themes with technology. Dixon was recognized for her costume inspired by Strange Fruit, a song about the lynching of Black persons in the America. Using advanced computerized design, Dixon’s piece conveyed beauty and depth, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

Other notable award recipients included Cyrese Pounall, Nicole Brand, and Kathleen Hughes. Each designer showcased exceptional creativity and contributed to a rich, evolving tradition in Mas’ artistry. Their works exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication that the award seeks to honour.

The awards were also dedicated to the late Arnold Hughes, a legendary designer known for his groundbreaking use of 3D film technology and translucent materials. His contributions have left an indelible mark, and Ramcharan noted that Hughes’ influence endures in the creativity of today’s Mas’ designers.

Reflecting on the Impact Awards’ inclusive vision, Ramcharan praised the diversity within the Caribbean community, stating, “As we look back at all the award recipients, we see backgrounds from Chinese Indo-Caribbean to Afro-Caribbean, each representing Toronto’s cultural mosaic.” He emphasized that the awards ensure all members of Toronto’s Caribbean community are celebrated for their contributions.

Ramcharan concluded by thanking the team of the Impact Awards, for creating a platform that recognizes Mas’ designers as artists who bridge cultural pride and technological achievement. This year’s awards highlighted the collaborative spirit and innovation at the heart of the Caribbean community’s Mas’ tradition. As the Impact Awards continue to honour diverse talents, they inspire new generations to carry forward the legacy of Mas’.

With this celebration of Mas’ art, the Ontario Science Centre and the Impact Awards remind us of the power of culture to innovate, inspire, and connect communities across generations.