North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards Nominations Due October 10
The North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards will be accepting nominations for outstanding people, events, and organizations in art and culture from Coldwater, Midland, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Rama, Ramara, Severn, Tay, and Tiny, until October 10, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Qennefer Browne
Achievement Award
(sponsored by the family of Qennefer Browne)
Recognizes: An individual, group, or organization whose longstanding contributions have significantly enriched the cultural life of North Simcoe. This could include behind-the-scenes champions, such as volunteers, board members, donors, local businesses, or venue hosts—as well as artists, musicians, writers, or creatives whose body of work or lifelong dedication uplifts the region’s arts and culture.
Creative Experience Award
(sponsored by Orillia Lake Country)
Recognizes: An outstanding event, festival, exhibit, or performance that celebrates the vibrancy of arts, culture, or heritage while fostering a meaningful sense of community.
Youth Voice
in Arts & Culture Award
(sponsored by Marshmellow)
Recognizes: A young person (under 25) whose artistic or cultural contributions demonstrate bold expression, leadership, or meaningful community engagement.
Equity & Inclusion
in the Arts & Culture Award
(sponsored by Adam Chambers MP)
Recognizes: An artist, initiative, or organization advancing inclusivity, accessibility, and social awareness through arts and culture. This award honours those transforming public, digital, or shared spaces into vibrant, expressive, and culturally significant environments.
Community Impact
Through Arts & Culture Award
(sponsored by Arts Orillia)
Recognizes: An individual, collective, or initiative using arts and culture as a tool for education, social connection, wellness, or community advocacy in North Simcoe. Whether formal or informal, these efforts foster cultural appreciation and participation.
Members of the organizing committee from North Simcoe Arts and North Simcoe life online magazine have been working behind the scenes on the logistics and are delighted about the expanded reach and revamped categories in the new North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards.
“We are excited to announce that eCapital will once again be the title sponsor of this year’s revamped awards,” said North Simcoe Arts Communications lead and awards coordinator Kelsey Nicholls. “We couldn’t do the awards without their support and would like to extend a big thank you to them for stepping up once again.”
Other sponsors for this special event include the City of Orillia, and Csumrik and Associates, who is sponsoring the delicious charcuterie boards from Rind and Truckle on award night, November 26 at 6 p.m. at Creative Nomad Studios.
“We are excited to be celebrating the revamping and expansion of these very special awards,” said North Simcoe life owner and nominating committee spokesperson Anna Proctor. “With our streamlined nomination process and a great night at Creative Nomad Studios planned, we hope to celebrate all of our North Simcoe art and culture stars. Get your nominations in by our deadline, October 10 at 4 p.m.!”
As in previous years, all nominations will be gathered through an online portal, eliminating the need for hard copies. There will be no hard copies of nominations accepted.
To nominate an individual or group for one of these prestigious awards, visit the portal at www.northsimcoearts.ca/cultureawards. The nomination deadline is Friday October 10, 2025, at 4 p.m.