AWARD School founder Ray Black receives Order of Australia medal ‘for development of talent in the fields of writing and art direction’
CB Exclusive – Ray Black has been a highly respected leader in the advertising industry for many years and his contribution over that time was justly rewarded when he was awarded an Order of Australia medal in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Says Black: “When I got the letter from Canberra awarding me an Order of Australia medal it blindsided me a bit. The award reads: ‘For services to the advertising industry, particularly through the development of talent in the fields of writing and art direction’. It relates to me establishing AWARD School – 30 years ago next March, my ongoing involvement with the school and for the last eight years convening AWARD Copy School.
“I guess my sixteen year tenure as Caxton Awards Chairman is in there somewhere. It’s certainly an honour and I am grateful to those who nominated me. AWARD School continues to work so well for our young aspiring art directors and copywriters simply because of our highly talented agency tutors who have always given their best. They are all from the real world of advertising I’ve found the greater the talent, the more generous they are in sharing their knowledge.
“All of our tutors are leaders in their craft, many AWARD School graduates themselves from years back and who are now giving generously of their time and talent to help grow our own talent for the future. Many of our graduates are making their brilliant reputations shine brightly here and world wide and I want to say I am proud of them all.
“I also want to acknowledge the agencies who willingly open their doors for training purposes with the tutors. It all works because of the support given by the industry, including our media sponsors.AWARD School and Copy School will continue to build its increasing reputation for delivering the goods for years to come and I thank all those who are helping to make it so.”
Former award-winning advertising creative director Peter Carey (left) – who made his rep at Grey Sydney in the 70s and his own agency McSpedden Carey in the 80s – now of course a world-famous novelist based in New York – was also honoured this year – named an Officer of the Order of Australia for “distinguished service to literature as a novelist, through international promotion of the Australian identity, as a teacher, and as a mentor to emerging writers”.
20 Comments
well deserved Mr Black.
a hearty congrats
Congratulations Ray – good to see someone picking up a serious gong from time to time
Now that’s a real award. Very well done Ray.
Yep. Well done Ray and I’m sure there are plenty of creatives out there, thankful for AWARD School and all your hard work.
Ray Black is a giver. The industry and countless young Australians have been the beneficiary of Ray’s generosity, encouragement and experience. Long may it continue. Congratulations Ray and thank you.
Congratulations Mr Black. Well deserved!
On behalf of the TCC team, congratulations Ray on this well deserved honor. Thanks you for your long standing generosity and tireless contribution to this industry and its talent.
Linde
Congratulations Ray! I am thrilled for you. It’s about time your immense talent and generosity is acknowledged. Working with you (on the WorkCover Campaigns) is one of the more memorable highlights of my career. Well done! Cheers Elle
Very well deserved, Ray. Thank you for the support you’ve given to the Perth Art Directors Club over the years, too. You are a legend.
Congratulations Ray, it’s a great accolade and one that fittingly recognises your great contribution to our industry. Goodonya sport.
Congratulations, it has been many, many years since I have heard your name and it’s great to see you so honored. Advertising can be much maligned but it’s creative’s like yourself, who keep it honorable.
Hey Ray, awesome award. Brilliant!
Nice one Ray.
You were my toughest interview ever, but I have remembered everything you said as you tore my book apart. Your advice has stood me well.
Cheers DB
Ditto David Bell’s comments. Ray, I’ll never forget our interview. Well deserved award.
Congratulations Ray.
Well deserved.
Congratulations Ray. What a great achievement.
Still got the passion and a nice bloke to boot.
Congratulations Ray.You have been doing great job for a very long time and I’m delighted it’s been acknowledged.Good on you.
Well deserved recognition Ray, to a true gentleman of the industry.
You deserve this amazing award Ray. As well as more thanks.
As tough as you can be, it was your gentle encouragement well before I started AWARD School, that I remember most.
So thanks again. To you and the classy people who nominated you.