City’s Arts, Cultural, and Volunteer Award Winners Announced at Ceremony

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to announce the 2024 Arts, Cultural, and Volunteer Award winners. The free event took place at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery on Sunday, April 14. Nominees included musicians, visual artists, performers, volunteers, and new and long-established organizations and events, reflecting the diversity of Owen Sound’s cultural scene.  

Diana Meder, a well-known radio host, was the master of ceremonies for the awards while musicians Juliette and Olivier Lafiette from The Georgian Bay Symphony played instruments, and musicians Magenta Vasudev and Simon Dawes performed for the audience. Guests also enjoyed a few songs from the Roxy Star Company. 

The 2024 winners are: 

• Cultural Catalyst – Georgian Bay School of the Arts 
• Cultural Heritage – Dean McLellan 
• Outstanding Event – Emancipation Festival 
• Outstanding Group – SweetWater Music Festival  
• Outstanding Individual – Raquell Yang  
• Emerging Artist – Jacob Corston 
• Most Promising New Event – Owen Sound Memoirs  
• Lifetime Achievement – Elizabeth Zetlin 
• Volunteer of the Year – Mark Perry 
• Youth Volunteer of the Year – Shayla Adamson 
• Senior of the Year – Sandy Stevenson 

The City of Owen Sound presents the Owen Sound Arts, Cultural, and Volunteer Awards annually. Individual award sponsors include Zehrs Market, Capes Engineering, Flato Developments Inc., and GSS Engineering. The Arts and Culture winners receive a custom, locally made wooden hand-turned bowl by Larry Cluchey. 

The winner of the Emerging Artist Award also received a $500 cash prize. A special thank you to our jury, which was comprised of previous event winners.  

For information regarding the Arts and Culture Awards, contact Jen Wright, Events and Activation Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1237 or email jwright@owensound.ca.

For information regarding the Volunteer of the Year Awards, contact Andy O’Leary, Facilities Booking Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1255, or email aoleary@owensound.ca.  

Quick Facts: 

• The Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards are held annually. 
• More information about the awards, including categories and eligibility can be found on the City’s website. 

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