2024 Spotlight Awards

Organized by Canadian Peace Museum

Bancroft, ON

The Stories of Peace Award Ceremony at the Bancroft Village Playhouse included talks, peace crafts, a silent auction, live music, a screening of the finalist Stories of Peace videos, poetry by Maya Al-Jaber, art by Dave Maris and photography by Nicolò Filippo Rosso documenting forced migration in the Americas.

Organized by Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning with Sheldon Traviss

Kingston, ON

The two-day workshop, led by Tett Artist in Residence Sheldon Traviss, offered a hands-on opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture and learn through the creation of traditional Iroquois pottery. Participants worked with wild clay, formed pottery vessels, and prepared them for firing.

Organized by Carolina Saenz from La Trenza Tacos, Lisa Franklin from Forest and Folk, and Mountain WoodWork Canada

Paris, ON

Paris Birds for Diversity invited participants to paint birds representing their identity and origins using materials like cardboard, sawdust, and corn husks. The birds were displayed across downtown Paris, with a main exhibit at The Paris Wincey Mills Co, to celebrate diversity in this growing community.

Organized by City of Brampton & Visual Arts Brampton

Brampton, ON

Visual Arts Brampton collaborated with the City of Brampton’s Environmental Planning unit to offer a free, family-friendly pollinator-themed watercolour session in the Pollinator Garden. Participants learned about pollinators and native plants while practising new art skills.

Organized by Jude Akrey, facilitated by Megan Arnold

Guelph, ON

This full-day workshop on the theme “apocalypse,” encouraged participants to transform their vulnerable experiences as queer individuals into performance art. The workshop included discussions, improvisation, and collaborative exercises, culminating in an ensemble performance.

Organized by Big Cityyy Arts

Paris, ON

This lively workshop invited participants to craft graphic mini banners with bold messages using paint, glue, and glitter. The event encouraged attendees of all ages to embrace their creativity, explore self-expression, and make art that speaks loudly and proudly. Take-home options made the fun accessible to all!

Organized by Ebru Winegard

Part of Culture Days Barrie organized by Creative Barrie Team at the City of Barrie. This activity took place at Open Air Meridian event organized by Downtown Barrie BIA.

Barrie, ON

Nature’s Threads was an inclusive weaving workshop inspired by the tradition of Turkish tapestries. Led by Turkish-Canadian artist Ebru Winegard, participants used natural materials to create woven artworks reflecting environmental stewardship, personal empowerment, and cultural exchange.

Organized by Town of Oakville

Oakville, ON

This performance highlighted popular Arabic Jazz songs and blended jazz improvisations with traditional Arabic sounds. It was presented as part of the Music Without Borders Festival. Music Direction is by Gaby Al Botros.