Spotlight Awards

Organized by City of Orillia

With partners Arts Orillia, North Simcoe Arts, Orillia Native Women’s Group, Mariposa Arts Theatre, Orillia & Area Black Community Association

Orillia, ON

The Storytelling Slam Night was an evening of community and creativity, featuring Strawberry Juice & Cedar Tea with the Orillia Native Women’s Group, hands-on activities at Arts Orillia’s Creative Youth Lab, and a North Simcoe Arts exhibition. Performances included Ty the Poetess, LifteD, the Orillia & Area Black Community Association, and a preview of Jesus Christ Superstar by Mariposa Arts Theatre. A storytelling showcase and open mic allowed participants to share their voices, with prizes adding to the experience.

Organized by S’mad (Sustainable market art + design)

With partners WCRA/ Willowdale Arts Collective, Ontario Historical Society

Toronto, ON

The offsite wakeful night exhibition Tkaranto Wiigwaasabak: East to West explored immigration, integration, and Toronto’s cultural identity through its natural spaces. It highlighted connections between newcomers, Indigenous communities, and those of colonial ancestry, focusing on ravines, waterways, and green spaces. Drawing from the Mohawk meaning of “Tkaranto,” “where there are trees standing in the water,” the exhibition featured scrolls linking Eastern, Western, and Anishinaabe traditions, showing how artistic expression preserves identity, knowledge, and connection to the land.

Organized by Town of Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, the City of Burlington in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington, and the Halton Region

Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, Burlington, ON

Each year the Municipalities of Halton (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville) and Halton Region Heritage Services commission a multidisciplinary artist to lead an interactive activity. Led by artist Rafia Shafiq, the Threads of Tradition workshop invited participants to explore the textile art of Phulkari through hands-on embroidery. Participants worked on fabric with pre-drawn designs, learned traditional motifs while creating their own take-home pieces. Rafia, founder of Dhaga Art, is known for reviving this intricate craft through workshops and collaborations.

Organized by Glen Williams Community Association

Glen Williams, ON

The Glen Williams Bicentennial Festival celebrated 200 years of the hamlet of Glen Williams in Halton Hills. The family-friendly event featured a full day of festivities, bringing neighbours together honouring history and celebrating community. Attendees enjoyed a fiddle jam, historical walking tours, heritage handweavers and spinners demos, live music, blacksmith demonstrations, and heritage crafts  – an opportunity to connect with residents and visitors to share Glen Williams’ past, present, and future. 

Organized by Big Cityyy Arts

With partner Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant

Brantford, ON

Big Cityyy Plinths, organized by Big Cityyy Arts, showcased six performance art installations at the Grand River Arts Festival 2025 at Glenhyrst Art Gallery in Brant. The installations explored themes of surrealism, textiles, and sustainability, offering visitors an engaging and thought-provoking experience. The free event featured a full day of activities and art for all ages.

Organized by City of Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay, ON

Arts and Culture Under the Lights, organized by the City of Thunder Bay, transformed the city’s waterfront into a glowing hub of creativity and connection. As the sun set, the space came alive with dance performances, music, spoken word, and interactive experiences. Celebrating Thunder Bay’s unique cultural landscape, through local artists, and community collaboration, Arts & Culture Under the Lights offered an inclusive atmosphere where curiosity, creativity and culture thrive.

Organized by Toronto Theatre Collective

With partners Scadding Court Community Centre, SDG Library, The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, The Pop Stand 

Toronto, ON

Toronto Theatre Collective brought a hands-on mask-making and storytelling workshop to Scadding Court Community Centre (Toronto), SDG Library (Winchester and South Mountain), The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning (Kingston), and The Pop Stand (Toronto). Professional actors led an interactive performance, then guided children to craft original masks inspired by the story and their unique collaborative ideas. This creative and engaging workshop encouraged play and self-expression for young participants.

Organized by Gallery Rossland Gardens Amherst Island

Stella, ON

Ontario Culture Days on Amherst Island (often called the gem of Lake Ontario), welcomed visitors to a celebration of art, culture, and heritage. Gallery Rossland Gardens, a retail gallery showcasing fine Canadian craft, hosted four free outdoor, hands-on experiences that invited participants to create and connect in a beautiful natural setting. Guests engaged with artists, explored creative traditions, and enjoyed the island’s scenic charm while celebrating community and creativity.