Last evening, the City of Barrie recognized this year’s Arts Awards winners during a gala event at the MacLaren Art Centre. These awards honour individuals and organizations for excellence in the arts and contributions to the local arts community.
“The city’s arts and culture sector has much to celebrate this year. From plans for an innovative performing arts centre on the waterfront now underway, to the installation of the new public art at the Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal, and Council’s endorsement of the Public Art Strategy—our creative future is taking shape in inspiring ways,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. "Barrie’s arts community continues to deliver engaging, fun, and inclusive programming. Congratulations to all artists, creative groups, organizations, and businesses recognized at this year’s Arts Awards.”
This year, the city received 39 nominations across six categories. Nominations were reviewed and scored by a third-party panel of adjudicators who selected the following winners:
- Artist Beyond Barriers Award presented by City of Barrie Seniors and Accessibility Advisory Committee – Alayna Kellet
- Business Champion Award – Brad Ferguson
- Contribution to the Community Award – UPlift Black Artist Collective
- Emerging Artist Award presented by Georgian College Design and Visual Arts (DVA) – Omar Chris Canales-Cisneros
- Excellence in the Arts Award – Kim Brett
- Most Promising Youth Award presented by Larissa Mair Casting & Associates – Tia Nova
Each year, a new sculptor is selected to create the Barrie Arts Awards statuettes, which are unique works that reflect the importance of celebrating the contribution of artists and the arts on the community. This year’s award statuette design was created by artist Max Lupo.
The gala event featured performances by Barrie’s Poet Laureate Tyneisha Thomas, Alan Mallory, Aanchal Nanavati, Rogan Mei, and members of the UPlift Black Artist Collective, emmm, Bianca Bridge, Ali Star, Jon Spirit and Cesario Dope Only.
The Barrie Arts Awards are generously supported by the MacLaren Art Centre, Rhubarb Media, Multi Tech Audio Visual, Rock 95, 107.5 KOOL FM, Barrie 360, Georgian College Design and Visual Arts, City of Barrie Seniors and Accessibility Advisory Committee, Larissa Mair Casting & Associates, Allegra Barrie, Ted Handy and Associates, and Stephen Elliott Photography.
Learn more about this year’s winners at investbarrie.ca/ArtsAwards.
