Back in 2007, the City of Owen Sound's Cultural Advisory Committee invited local residents to suggest the course of the City's involvement in cultural policy and support through its first-ever Cultural Master Plan. One of the initiatives which generated the most support was the launch of an awards program to recognize excellence and achievement in the arts, culture, and heritage. The Owen Sound Cultural Awards launched in 2009 and is now in its seventh year.
Nominations are now open for the 7th Annual Cultural Awards. The Cultural Advisory Committee invites residents to nominate their favourite artist, event, or organization for one of the eight awards to be presented at a reception at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in February 2016.
The awards include: Outstanding Group, Individual, Event, or Festival; Emerging Artist; Cultural Catalyst (replacing the Patron and Volunteer Service awards); Cultural Heritage; and Lifetime Achievement. Each award winner receives a beautiful hand-crafted marquetry box designed by Owen Sound artist Diane Edwards. The winner of the Emerging Artist award also receives a cash prize of $500.
The 2016 Cultural Awards Nomination Package is now available online or in printed form at City Hall, the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, and the Ginger Press. The website contains more information about the awards including the names of previous award nominees and recipients.
2015 award recipients included: long-time musical director of the Georgian Bay Symphony John Barnum for Lifetime Achievement; poet Richard-Yves Sitoski for Emerging Artist; historian Paula Niall for Cultural Heritage; Artists' Coop Legacy Workshop Series for Outstanding Event; Summerfolk for Outstanding Festival; Fiddlefern Dancers for Outstanding Group; ceramic artist and photographer Steve Irvine for Outstanding Individual; Frank and Leigh Greaves for Patron; and Val Underwood for Volunteer Service.
Show your love for Owen Sound's incredible cultural community. Nominate someone today!
