2025 Barrie Arts Awards

Following a thorough call to the community for nominations, we received 39 complete nominations across six categories. Nominations were reviewed and scored by an adjudication panel made up of cultural managers from municipalities outside of Barrie. Congratulations to the finalists!

Artist Beyond Barriers Award

Presented to an artist, performer, or writer who has demonstrated creative originality through a body of work despite living with a continuous or recurrent mental or physical disability that results in a substantial restriction in their ability to work, care for themselves, or take part in community life. These individuals may be living or deceased. This award is presented by the City's Seniors & Accessibility Advisory Committee. The 2025 finalist nominees are:

• Christeen Awad
• Alayna Kellet
• Champagne Top'Her

Business Champion Award 

Given to an individual or business operating in the Barrie area that has consistently and significantly supported the arts through either financial and/or in-kind means. This award may be granted to a business that has made a concerted effort to build capacity in the arts. The 2025 finalist nominees are:

• Galina Johnston
• JSN Just Some Noise
• Brad Ferguson

Contribution to the Community Award

Awarded to an individual, duo, or collective that has played a significant role in the development of an arts organization or program or contributed to the overall arts community in building capacity and enriching the lives of Barrie residents and the local environment. These individuals may be living or deceased. The 2025 finalist nominees are:

• Amy Bagshaw
• UPlift Black Artist Collective
• Barrie Art Club

Emerging Artist Award

Awarded to an individual who has begun to develop a body of work in preparation/or pursuit of a professional career in the arts. This award is presented by Georgian College, Design & Visual Arts. The 2025 finalist nominees are:

• Chris Canales-Cisneros
• Sheresha Mcintyre
• Mathew Magneson

Excellence in the Arts Award

Awarded to an established professional artist, performer, or author who has demonstrated through one or more bodies of work creative originality, professional maturity, and artistic leadership. These individuals may be living or deceased. The 2025 finalist nominees are:

• Dr. Jill Price
• Frances Thomas
• Kim Brett

Most Promising Youth Award

Must be 19 years of age or younger and currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution. This youth will have demonstrated a superior ability in their art form. This award can be for any form of art, e.g., visual, performing, literary, etc. The 2025 finalist nominees are:

• Lilah King
• Tia Nova
• Skye Turner

Nominations for the 2025 Barrie Arts Awards were open until August 25, 2025. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Please consider renominating your nominee for future Arts Awards should they not be chosen this year.

Each year, a new sculptor is selected to create the Barrie Arts Awards statuettes, which are unique works that reflect the importance of celebrating the contribution of artists and the arts on the community. Artists/artist teams based in the Barrie area were invited to submit designs for the 2025 award statuettes by May 12, 2025.

The annual Barrie Arts Awards is a true community initiative, encompassing collaboration and presented with the support of dedicated partners & sponsors. 

Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Barrie Arts Awards?  As an event sponsor, you can build brand recognition through our promotion campaign including radio advertising, social media, website, on-site, and printed materials. Our partnerships are valued and contribute directly towards providing recognition to and celebration of our local arts community. Opportunities are available for in-kind or monetary sponsorships starting at $500. For more information contact Amanda Dyke, Culture Officer - Development, at 705-739-4220 x4593 or Amanda.Dyke@barrie.ca.