NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA REGIONAL ARTS AND HERITAGE AWARDS
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This is a reminder to all those who love and care about arts, culture, and heritage in our area that there is a way to acknowledge, celebrate, and support those who work so hard in those fields.
“Nominations for the sixth annual Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards (ORAH Awards) are now open!” said ORAH Awards organizing committee member Anna Proctor.
“These awards are jointly produced and supported by the Orillia District Arts Council and the Orillia Museum of Art and History, with our main presenting sponsor eCapital.”
The ORAH Awards have five categories, as below:
- 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.
“People can nominate their favourite event, person, thing, or organization in the category that best suits them,” said Proctor. “Nominators just need to make sure they can support their nomination with a letter explaining why the nominee should win the award, a supporting letter or letters, and up to four more pieces of supporting documentation. Remember, a strong nomination should include compelling evidence that the person/organization/event being nominated is the best choice to win in that category!”
To nominate an individual, event, or group for one of these prestigious awards, visit the portal at https://www.orilliamuseum.org/project/2024-orillia-regional-arts-heritage-awards/.
Just like last year, all nominations will be gathered through this online portal, eliminating the need for hard copies. There will be no hard copies of nominations accepted. To help with this process and encourage nominations, a nominating committee has been formed with representatives from across the sector and region.
“Hurry and get your nominations in now!” said Proctor. “The deadline for all nominations is Oct. 11, 2024.”
Nominees and award recipients will be celebrated at a special event at Creative Nomad Studios on Nov. 27, 2024.
“We look forward to seeing everyone there, and celebrating together," said Proctor.
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