North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards Nominations Now Open
Following six successful years of joint Art and Heritage Awards, the Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) and Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) have concluded their partnership in the Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards.
Now there is a revamped art and culture awards event in town!
North Simcoe Arts and North Simcoe life online magazine are coming together to expand and renew this special event, with the North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards.
On November 26, 2025 at 6 p.m., Orillia and the North Simcoe area will come together to celebrate the best and brightest from the sector, at Creative Nomad Studios in Orillia.
The North Simcoe Art and Culture Awards will be accepting nominations for people, events, and organizations in art and culture from Coldwater, Midland, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Rama, Ramara, Severn, Tay, and Tiny.
There will be five award categories, as follows:
Qennefer Browne Achievement Award
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
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
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
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
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.
“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.”
Members of the organizing committee 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 be celebrating the revamping and expansion of these very special awards,” said North Simcoe life owner and nominating committee spokesperson Anna Proctor. “North Simcoe life firmly believes in uplifting the arts in our community. With our streamlined nomination process and a great night at Creative Nomad Studios planned, we hope to celebrate all of our North Simcoe arts and culture stars. Get your nominations in today!”
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 https://www.northsimcoearts.ca/cultureawards. The nomination deadline is Friday October 10, 2025, at 4 p.m.