Art and Culture Awards 2025
About the Awards
This annual event celebrates the outstanding individuals and organizations who bring arts, heritage, and community spirit to life.
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Presented by North Simcoe Arts, in collaboration with North Simcoe Life at Creative Nomad Studios on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, we will recognize the individuals and organizations whose talents and efforts uplift the arts, culture, and heritage across Coldwater, Midland, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Rama, Ramara, Severn, Tay, and Tiny.
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The Art and Culture Awards began as a partnership between the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) and what was then the Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC). For five years, this collaboration celebrated the creative talents and cultural contributions of the region through what was known as the Orillia Regional Arts & Heritage Awards (ORAH). Now stewarded solely by North Simcoe Arts—formerly ODAC—the awards continue to grow in scope and spirit, expanding to include and honour voices from across a broader region while remaining rooted in community celebration and recognition.
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We are committed to recognizing the valuable contributions that artists, historians, educators, event organizers, and supporters make to the vibrancy of these communities and the lives of their citizens. From behind-the-scenes champions to public-facing creators, these awards highlight the many ways culture strengthens connection, pride, and belonging in our region.
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This wonderful community celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with appetizers, music, mingling, and a cash bar. Everyone is welcome—there are no tickets or admission fees.
The Art and Culture Awards are proudly sponsored by eCapital.
The Award Categories
We are proud to present a series of awards that honour the exceptional individuals and organizations who have enriched the artistic and cultural fabric of our community.
Qennefer Browne Achievement Award
Creative
Experience Award
Youth Voice in Arts & Culture Award
Recognizes: An individual, group, or organization whose longstanding contributions have significantly enriched the cultural life of North Simcoe. This could include behind-the-scenes champions, such as volunteers, board members, donors, local businesses, or venue hosts—as well as artists, musicians, writers, or creatives whose body of work or lifelong dedication uplifts the region’s arts and culture.
Recognizes: An outstanding event, festival, exhibit, or performance that celebrates the vibrancy of arts, culture, or heritage while fostering a meaningful sense of community.
Recognizes: A young person (under 25) whose artistic or cultural contributions demonstrate bold expression, leadership, or meaningful community engagement.
Ideal For: Lifetime contributors, founders, mentors, long-term volunteers, cultural advocates, or creative professionals with a lasting impact.
Ideal For: Collaborative public art projects, community festivals, performances, cultural showcases, or innovative multi-day events that bring people together through creative expression.
Ideal For: Students, youth-led collectives, emerging curators, creative changemakers, or performers shaping the future of arts and culture.
Equity & Inclusion in the Arts & Culture Award
Community Impact Through Arts & Culture Award
Recognizes:
An artist, initiative, or organization advancing inclusivity, accessibility, and social awareness through arts and culture. This award honours those transforming public, digital, or shared spaces into vibrant, expressive, and culturally significant environments.
Ideal For: Anti-oppression work, accessibility advocacy, Indigenous cultural visibility, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, BIPOC storytelling, and inclusive programming across any creative discipline.
Recognizes:
An individual, collective, or initiative using arts and culture as a tool for education, social connection, wellness, or community advocacy in North Simcoe. Whether formal or informal, these efforts foster cultural appreciation and participation.
Ideal For: Facilitators, mentors, teaching artists, or community leaders working with marginalized groups, delivering arts-for-wellbeing initiatives, promoting cross-cultural celebration, or leading inclusive and youth-centered programs.
Past Awards
Our Title Sponsor
Thank you to our title sponsor, E-Capital, for their generous support and commitment to celebrating arts and culture in our community
