NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA AND DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL
*************************
For many years, the Orillia and District Arts Council (ODAC) and Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) have recognized excellence within the cultural sector with separate awards nights for arts and heritage, respectively. But this is about to change.
On Nov. 27, 2019, the two organizations will come together to celebrate the best and brightest from the sector at the first ever Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards.
“Many synergies already exist within the cultural community,” Tito Faria of ODAC explains. “You do not need to look far to see that arts and heritage often go hand in hand when developing programs and activities. The Mariposa Folk Festival and the annual Streets Alive project are excellent examples of this.”
“Looking at the industry as a whole, it seemed natural to bring the two together, combining OMAH’s and ODAC’s highly successful awards programs into one gala event,” says OMAH Executive Director, Ninette Gyorody.
Members from both organizations have been working behind the scenes on the logistics of this year’s pilot event and are excited to announce the 2019 award categories:
- Education in Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Emerging Artist
- Heritage: Restoration, Renovation and Publication
- Event in Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Qennefer Browne Achievement Award
Education in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award looks to recognize an educator, not necessarily a teacher by profession, whose knowledge and teaching skills inspire others to pursue their interest in the arts and heritage.
Emerging Artist Award recognizes an individual of any age who is in the early years (under five years) of launching a career in the arts. Nominees can be pursuing any genre of art including, but not limited to, visual arts, performance arts, literary arts and many more.
Heritage: Restoration, Renovation and Publication Award recognizes an individual or group who brought to life regional history through a physical restoration or creation of a permanent public record.
Event in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award looks to honour an individual, organization, or corporation for their part in organizing a single or annual event that showcases the region’s creative talent or cultural heritage.
The Qennefer Browne Achievement Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of their community. Nominees may include artists, historians, volunteers, cultural organizations and donors. This award honours Qennefer Browne, who gave much of herself to support both arts and heritage organizations within the region.
To nominate an individual or group for one of these prestigious awards, visit www.orilliaartscouncil.ca or www.orilliamuseum.org.
Paper copies can be picked up at the Orillia City Centre or OMAH. They can also be requested by emailing [email protected].
Nominations are due Friday Oct. 25, 2019 at 4 p.m., and can be dropped off at OMAH or emailed to [email protected].
Together, OMAH and ODAC serve the communities of Rama, Ramara, Oro-Medonte, Severn, and the City of Orillia.
We are committed to recognizing the valuable contribution artists, historians, educators, event organizers and supporters make to the vibrancy of these communities and their citizens.
Be sure to join us Nov. 27, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Geneva Event Centre to celebrate their achievements.
This year’s awards ceremony is presented by Accutrac Capital Solutions and proudly supported by the City of Orillia’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department.
*************************
