As a kick-off to Culture Days, the 10th annual Town of Orangeville Arts & Culture Awards were announced on September 26. The event celebrated the local art and culture sector and paid tribute to the outstanding contributions made by individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region.

Several nominations were received for eight award categories, with judging completed by an experienced independent panel from outside Dufferin County.

The recipients of the 2019 awards are:

  • Established Artist of the Year: Beckie Morris
  • Emerging Artist of the Year: Sara Rose
  • Student Artist of the Year: Darcey Baker
  • Arts Educator of the Year Award: Christa Davison
  • Community Arts Volunteer Advocate Award: Teresa & Ken Huntley
  • Community Impact by an Organization Award: Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
  • Community Impact by a Business Award: Maggiolly Art
  • Creative Cultural Event Award: The Dream at Island Lake

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones; Councillor Lisa Post, chair of the Cultural Plan Task Force; and Mayor Sandy Brown were on hand to congratulate all of the nominees and to help recognize the impact of arts and culture to the community.

“Our arts and culture sector helps to strengthen our overall community, enriching our identity, our quality of life and our economic well-being,” said Mayor Brown.

Entertainment was provided by award-winning saxophonist Ryan Grist, local historian and Master of Ceremonies Wayne Townsend, and a showcase of artwork by many of the nominees. Dufferin County Poet Laureate Harry Posner opened the awards ceremony with a presentation about a poet’s take on arts, culture and the creative life.

Nominations for the popular Arts & Culture Awards open every spring for individuals, businesses, and organizations in Dufferin County. In 2020, nominations will open in May with a submission deadline of July 31.

2019 Arts and Culture Award winners, along with members of Orangeville Council.