This year will be the first joint arts and heritage awards organized in partnership between the Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) and Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH).

For many years, ODAC and OMAH have recognized excellence within the cultural sector with separate awards nights for arts and heritage, respectively. However, both organizations felt there were many synergies between the two and decided to bring them together to celebrate the sector in one gala event.

Members have been working behind the scenes on the logistics of this year’s pilot event and are excited to announce the 2019 award categories:

• Education in Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Emerging Artist
• Heritage: Restoration, Renovation and Publication
• Event in Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Qennefer Browne Achievement Award

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AWARD CATEGORIES

Education in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award looks to recognize an educator, not necessarily a teacher by profession, whose knowledge and teaching skills inspire others to pursue their interest in the arts and heritage.

Emerging Artist Award recognizes an individual of any age who is in the early years (under five years) of launching a career in the arts. Nominees can be pursuing any genre of art including, but not limited to, visual arts, performance arts, literary arts and many more.

Heritage: Restoration, Renovation and Publication Award recognizes an individual or group who brought to life regional history through a physical restoration or creation of a permanent public record.

Event in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award looks to honour an individual, organization, or corporation for their part in organizing a single or annual event that showcases the region’s creative talent or cultural heritage.

The Qennefer Browne Achievement Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of their community. Nominees may include artists, historians, volunteers, cultural organizations and donors. This award honours Qennefer Browne, who gave much of herself to support both arts and heritage organizations within the region.

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NOMINATION PROCESS

To nominate an individual or group for one of these prestigious awards, request the form by emailing [email protected]. Paper copies can be picked up at the Orillia City Centre or OMAH.

Your nomination package must include the following.

___ Nomination Form

___ Letter of Introduction including rationale for nomination (approximately 500 words).

___ Five (5) pieces of Supporting Documentation (e.g. Letter(s) of support, testimonials, examples of work, links to media coverage). 

Nominations are due Friday October 25, 2019 at 4 pm, and can be dropped off at OMAH or emailed to [email protected].

 

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Together, OMAH and ODAC serve the communities of Rama, Ramara, Oro-Medonte, Severn, and the City of Orillia. We are committed to recognizing the valuable contribution artists, historians, educators, event organizers and supporters make to the vibrancy of these communities and their citizens. Be sure to join us November 27 to celebrate their achievements.

This year’s awards ceremony is presented by Accutrac Capital Solutions and proudly supported by the City of Orillia’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department.