Nominations are now open for the 2026 Arts and Culture Awards

Nominations for the 2026 Arts and Culture are now open. The City of Owen Sound is inviting the public to help recognize the significant contributions of our local arts and culture community.

The awards reception will be held at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on Thursday, April 16 starting at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public, includes light snacks, entertainment and cash bar. The biannual Arts and Culture awards are presented in partnership this year with the annual Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year awards.

The Owen Sound Art and Cultural Awards celebrate excellence in the greater Owen Sound area's arts, culture, and heritage. These awards underline the importance of culture in our community and recognize groups and individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the area's cultural vitality. This years awards include; Emerging Artist, Cultural Impact, Artistic Excellence, Outstanding Event, Cultural Changemaker, Cultural Legacy, Shared Voices and The Frontier Award.

The Arts and Cultural Awards Nomination can be completed online at OwenSound.ca/Awards and close Friday, March 27 at 4:30 p.m. More information can be found by visiting the website including criteria, previous award recipients and details about awards. Winners are selected from a jury of past nominees and award 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.

Quick Facts:

• The Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards are held on an bi-annual basis.
• The awards will be presented on Thursday, April 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. The event is open to the public. The event includes light snacks and cash bar.

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