The City of Barrie is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Barrie Arts Awards, celebrating the region's vibrant arts community. The awards honor outstanding contributions in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and more. Nominations must be submitted by September 26, 2026.
Categories and Eligibility
Categories include Artist of the Year, Emerging Artist, Arts Educator, and the Artist Beyond Barriers Award, which recognizes artists with disabilities. Nominees must be Barrie residents or have strong ties to the community. Self-nominations are accepted.
Last year's Artist Beyond Barriers Award winner was Alayna Kellet, who was recognized alongside Catherine Kenwell from the Barrie Seniors and Accessibility Advisory Committee. Kellet's work highlights the importance of inclusive arts.
How to Nominate
Nomination forms are available on the City of Barrie's website. Submissions require a description of the nominee's artistic achievements and impact on the community. Supporting materials such as portfolios or letters of recommendation are encouraged.
According to city officials, the awards aim to "shine a spotlight on the incredible talent we have in Barrie and to encourage the arts to thrive." Winners will be announced at a ceremony in November 2026.
Past Winners and Impact
Previous winners have included visual artists, musicians, and theatre directors. The awards have helped raise the profile of local artists and fostered community engagement. The Barrie Arts Awards have been running for over a decade, with categories evolving to reflect the community's diversity.
