St. Catharines Arts Awards return for 2023

The nominees are in for the St. Catharines Arts Awards, set to celebrate the most talented and creative minds in the community at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Nov. 5.

In total, there are 14 nominees for awards across four categories: the Arts in Education Award, Emerging Artist Award, Established Artist Award, and Making a Difference Award. One special individual, artist, or organization will be recognized with the Jury's Pick Award during the ceremony.

The 2023 nominees are:

Arts in Education Award: Alice Burke

Emerging Artist Award: Ren Foster, Jennifer Lynn, and Vik Mudge

Established Artist Award: Sandy Middleton, Eva Tihanyi, and Jamie Williams

Making a Difference Award: Avanti Chamber Singers, Todd Green / Tomorrow’s Voices, Jenn Judson, Matter of Black, PK Hummingbird Steel Orchestra, Routine Exploits, and Dr. Dimple Sharma / Holi Festival.

The event will take place from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Robertson Theatre. The formal ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will be hosted by Ruth Unrau. Mayor Mat Siscoe will present the Arts in Education Award, followed by Unrau presenting the other three awards. Members of the Arts Awards Jury will then present the Jury’s Pick Award.  

“We are looking forward to recognizing and celebrating the arts community in the City of St. Catharines,” said Culture Supervisor Carly Anderson. “The remarkable people and groups who have been nominated would all be excellent selections for an award. Their commitment to making St. Catharines a more beautiful, vibrant, and immersive place to live, work and play is truly remarkable.”

This event is free to attend, and tickets must be reserved in advance. Tickets can be obtained by going to the FOPAC’s website. Tickets will be released at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.