One Columbia announces 2016 recipient of Morrison Visionary Award
October 27, 2016
One Columbia for Arts and History announced Mr. Terrance Henderson, theatre and dance artist and arts educator, as the recipient of the 2016 Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award. The award will be presented Thursday, November 10, at the Nickelodeon Theatre.
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award is an annual recognition of a Columbian who reflects many of the values and qualities of those generously given by One Columbia’s former leader in support of the growth and vitality of his City of Columbia. Morrison, who passed away in 2013, co-chaired the One Columbia Arts and History Board of Directors for three years.
Henderson, a driving force in both the theatre and dance communities in the Midlands, was born in Newberry, residing in Columbia since 1996. A major focus of his work has been creating art that illuminates contemporary societal issues and also, providing opportunities for those who have not had formal training in dance and theatre. Henderson has been a long term artist-in-residence at both Logan and A.C. Moore Elementary Schools, where he teaches dance and drama.
In 2009 he was the winner of the 2009 Bronze Leo Award for Outstanding Jazz Dance Choreography at the Jazz Dance World Congress in Chicago, the only South Carolinian to ever win the award. That same year, he won the SC Arts Commission’s Fellowship in Dance Performance. In 2012, he was named Jasper Magazine’s Dance Artist of the Year and Broadway World’s SC Theatre Artist of the Year.
Henderson has performed, choreographed, directed and premiered work from California to Florida. In addition to working with most of the Midland’s live theatres, he was the co-creator of Trustus Theatre’s “Henderson Bros. Burlesque” and also created an original evening of work, “The Black Man… Complex”. Most recently, he premiered his newest work “Ruins” as part of the Harbison Theatre’s MTC Performance Incubator, performed in “Blank Page Poetry: Words and Shadows” at 701 Center for Contemporary Art and created the choreography for a new film, “Rising.”
“I am incredibly humbled to be mentioned in the company of Stephen G Morrison, this award, and its past recipients,” says Henderson. “I cherish this moment because it speaks to the impact I have as a member of this community and not just my achievements as an artist. And it represents not just me but every child, student, artist, friend, family member and supporter that has helped shape me, my work and my purpose. Making a difference through my work has always been my intention and this award is evidence of the importance of what I’m leaving behind. Through the honesty and integrity of my creative work, I will continue to aspire to a legacy of empowerment.”
One Columbia for Arts and History recognizes the cultural and community significance of Terrance Henderson’s influence in our community along with the substantial contribution of his work to make arts education a part of every child’s life.
“Terrance Henderson’s personal inspiration and the inspiration he fosters in others have made a significant positive impact on the cultural foundation of our City and region. We are proud to honor Mr. Henderson’s contributions by selecting him as this year’s recipient,” says Jeremy Hodges, President of the One Columbia for Arts and History Board of Directors.
The recipient of the Steve Morrison Visionary Award honors the best combination of vision and leadership, applied to arts and history and the entire cultural foundation of the City, and the value they bring to Columbia.
“Terrance has used his artistic talent as a means to inspire young people through his work over the past 16 years at Logan and AC Moore Elementary Schools. And, his original performances have inspired Columbians to have important conversations about race, sexual orientation and identity.” said Mayor Steve Benjamin. “Terrance embodies the passion that Steve Morrison had for education and exploration through art to make Columbia more vibrant and more culturally-aware.”
The award will be formally presented Thursday, November 10 at 6 p.m. at the Nickelodeon Theatre and publicly Saturday, November 12 at the Jam Room Music Festival.
About One Columbia for Arts and History
One Columbia for Arts and History is a non-profit corporation that works to promote collaboration among citizens, the cultural community, and city government through
celebrations of Columbia’s arts and historic treasures. Its goal is to enhance the quality of life for our residents, attract tourist dollars to our city, and further build our vibrant community. In short, it serves as the promotional arm of the City for Columbia’s cultural community. Visit the One Columbia website for a continuously updated master list of art and cultural activities occurring throughout the city.
