(Barrie, ON) – Last evening (Nov. 10), the City of Barrie recognized this year’s Arts Awards winners during an event at the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre. These awards honour individuals and organizations for excellence in the arts and contributions to the local arts community.
“The City’s arts and culture sector has much to celebrate in 2026. Late last year, the Culture Plan Update was completed and approved. The plan establishes a clear direction for expanding cultural spaces, strengthening support for local artists and increasing the presence of arts and public art throughout our city.” said Mayor Alex Nuttall as part of his welcome message in the gala program. “Barrie’s artists, organizations and cultural leaders continue to bring passion, creativity and energy to our community, helping make Barrie a vibrant place to live, work and play. Congratulations to the artists, creatives, organizations and businesses being recognized at this year’s Barrie Arts Awards.”
This year, the City received 52 nominations across six categories. Nominations were reviewed and scored by a third-party panel of adjudicators who selected the following winners:
- Artist Beyond Barriers Award – Ian Churchward
- Business Champion Award – JSN (Just Some Noise)
- Contribution to the Community Award – Alex Unwin
- Emerging Artist Award presented by Georgian College Design and Visual Arts (DVA) – Keara Voo
- Excellence in the Arts Award - Yanming Wang
- Most Promising Youth Award presented by Larissa Mair Casting & Associates – Blake Clarke
Each year, a new sculptor is selected to create the Barrie Arts Awards statuettes. It is a unique tradition for the Barrie Arts Awards. The statuettes are a true work of Canadian contemporary art and capture the wonderful work happening in our own community. This year’s award statuette design was created by artist Matthew Shaun Ferguson.
The event featured performances by Barrie’s Poet Laureate Tyneisha Thomas, Alyssa Wright, the Skyliners Youth Big Band, Jay T.G., and Tia Nova.
The Barrie Arts Awards are generously supported by Rhubarb Media, Georgian College, MTAV, Ted Handy and Associates, Larissa Mair Casting, Allegra, Rock 95, Kool FM, Barrie 360, Honeypot Rentals, Lasting August Events, and Elliott Impact Media.
Learn more about this year’s winners at barrie.ca/ArtsAwards.
