Mary LopezMary Lopez AM is arguably Australia's most awarded female in the Music and Entertainment Industry. In a career spanning 60 years, Mary has devoted most of her career to nurturing, developing and showcasing talented Australians of all ages.Mary's flai for capturing the spirit of Australia through themed productions, huge cast variety spectaculars and ceremonial events is legendary. She has a unique talent for bringing together a dazzling range of musical and dramatic performers. These include eminent Australian performing artists alongside outstanding youth performers, symphony orchestras, massed choirs, combined bands and special effects displays, most notably apparent in the Schools Spectacular created by Mary in 1984 and directed by her for 25 years. She still has a great interest in SS as she was appointed Emeritus Director on her retirement.Mary was devoted to providing an equitable chance for all talented Australians to follow their music and entertainment dreams; this passion and commitment has helped to shape the current Music and Entertainment Industry and is reflected in the almost 60 significant and spectacular productions she has staged over her career. This passion for equity also led Mary to create the Talent Development Project (TDP) and the Bound For Broadway Scholarships which gives all gifted youth, regardless of background, a platform to develop and showcase their talent. She retired as Artistic Director in 2017, remained on the TDP Board until 2021 when she retired and was appointed Emeritus Artistic Director.For her incredible creativity, innovation and dedication to Australia's iconic Music, Entertainment and Events culture Mary has been the recipient of many honours, namely, the Australian Event Awards 'Lifetime Achievement Award' (2013); The Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Awards 'Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music' (2012); Qantas Credit Union Arena (formally Sydney Entertainment Centre) 'Diamond Appreciation Award' and place in their Hall of Fame (2011); University of Western Sydney 'Honorary Doctorate of Letters' (2010); Variety 'Humanitarian of the Year Award' (2007); Australian Government Honour 'Member of the Order of Australia' (1999). The 'Mary Lopez Medal' was also created in 2014 by the Department of Education to be given annually to a recipient(s) in recognition of their contributions of Outstanding Significance to the Schools Spectacular.You would be hard-pressed to find another individual who has sustained such a strong commitment to the performing arts, or who has provided more opportunities for the creative expression of young Australians. Read More Read Less