Two local institutions have received accolades from Women in Music Canada, an industry organization dedicated to fostering gender equality.

Manitoba Music — a member-based, not-for-profit industry association working to develop and promote the growth and sustainability of the province’s music industry — was named organization of the year, while Ava Kobrinsky, co-founder of the Winnipeg Folk Festival and Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous, a house-concert network for roots artists, received a special career-achievement honour at an award ceremony in Toronto last week.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, board of directors, Indigenous music steering committee, BPM committee, and the inspiring artists, industry builders, communities, and partners we’re fortunate to work alongside —particularly the women and gender-diverse voices driving change in our community,” Vanessa Kuzina, Manitoba Music executive director, said in a media release.

Local artists Begonia and Rayannah also received nominations for artist of the year and excellence in sound production, respectively.