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Arts & Culture Awards celebrate Dufferin County’s creative sector

August 15, 2019   ·   0 Comments

Since 2010, the Town of Orangeville’s Arts & Culture Awards have honoured businesses, organizations and individuals who contribute to the vibrancy of arts and culture in our community.  Nominations are now open for the 2019 awards and community members are invited to recognize deserving recipients by Wednesday, August 28. 

Eight different award categories provide an opportunity to celebrate the diverse arts and culture leaders residing in Dufferin County.  Awards are presented to established, emerging, and student artists, as well an arts educator and a volunteer advocate.  Businesses, organizations, and cultural events are also recognized for their impact in the community.  

The awards aim to inspire, promote and reinforce the efforts of both nominees and winners. “It’s an honour to be recognized by my community,” says Andrew Cleveland, winner of the Student Artist Award in 2012 and the Emerging Artist Award in 2017. “I’ve had the privilege of winning twice and the reaction from the community has been heartwarming.”  The list of past winners also publicly showcases the impressive talent and creativity that exists in Orangeville and the surrounding area. “I feel incredibly lucky to be counted among the talented artists who have been recipients of this award,” says Leisa Way, winner of the Established Artist Award in 2017 and the creator, producer and performer of Way-To-Go Productions. “To be honoured for doing what I love, in a community that I love was a magical thing.” 

Award criteria and a simple online nomination form are available at orangeville.ca.  Nomination forms are also available at the Town Hall (87 Broadway, Orangeville). The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, August 28 at 4 p.m. Nominees will have an opportunity to provide judges with additional information once the Town has received the nominations.   

The awards will be presented on Thursday, September 26 during an evening reception that will also feature local musician Ryan Grist and a presentation by Harry Posner, Dufferin County’s Poet Laureate. The event acts as a kick off for Culture Days, an annual celebration that aims to demonstrate how a vibrant arts and cultural sector can contribute directly to a healthy and stable society. From September 27 to 29, activities and performances will be hosted by artists, cultural organizations, and municipalities in communities across Canada.  Local events include the Orangeville Art Group’s 49th Annual Art Show and Sale.  Happening on Saturday and Sunday at Town Hall, the show will feature the original works of multi-talented, local artists, many of whom will be in attendance. On Saturday, the Dufferin Farm Tour gives participants the opportunity to visit local farms and businesses. Passports highlighting tour stops can be picked up at the Orangeville Visitor Information Centre. More details on these and other Culture Days events can be found at orangevilletourism.ca/festivals-events.

Orangeville’s creative sector is a vital component of the Town’s identity and adds to its vibrancy and appeal.  The Arts & Culture Awards offer a unique opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the community’s diverse collection of talented artists, cultural offerings, and dedicated organizations.  “We are so lucky to be surrounded by such a love for the arts,” says Heather Holmes, 2017’s Art Educator. “I am so proud to be part of the rich arts community in Dufferin County.”  

For more information regarding nominations for the Town’s Arts & Culture Awards, visit bit.ly/2019ACAwards or contact Katrina Lemire at klemire@orangeville.ca or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2258. 

Katrina Lemire is the Business, Tourism and Culture Co-ordinator at the Town of Orangeville. She can be reached at klemire@orangeville.ca or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2258.

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