Nominations for Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards Open February 7

Nominations for the 2025 Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards open Friday, February 7, 2025. The City of Owen Sound is inviting the public to submit a nomination to help recognize the significant contributions of the local arts and culture community and volunteers.

The Arts and Culture Award nominations can be completed online at OwenSound.ca/Awards starting February 7. Nominations close Saturday, March 15, at midnight. The website provides more information, including the names of previous award nominees and recipients. Winners are selected from a jury of past nominees and award winners.

The 2025 awards reception will be held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in the Bay Room on Thursday, April 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  In 2024, the inaugural Arts, Culture and Volunteer Awards event consolidated previous separate recognitions, taking place at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. 

Honouring artistic achievements, the Owen Sound Arts and Cultural Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the area's creative landscape and historical preservation, underlining the importance of culture in our community.  Award categories include:

• Outstanding Group
• Outstanding Individual
• Outstanding Event
• Most Promising New Event
• Emerging Artist
• Cultural Catalyst
• Cultural Heritage
• Lifetime Achievement 

The Volunteer Awards celebrate volunteers for their desire to make a difference in our community and their own lives by giving their time and expertise.  Volunteers can be people from all walks of life, all ages, and all stages.  They play a vital contribution to the vibrancy, diversity, and strength of our community.  Categories include:

• Youth Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Senior of the Year

Volunteer Awards nominations can be completed online at OwenSound.ca/Awards.  They close at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025.  The Community Services Committee selects the 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 on an annual basis.
• The awards will be presented on Thursday, April 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. The event is open to the public and includes light snacks and a cash bar.

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