Nominations are now open for the 2025 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards.
The Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards, lovingly nicknamed the Buffys, is our region’s premier arts event. The Buffys recognize the artists, groups, and arts organizations demonstrating outstanding achievement and contribution to Wood Buffalo, as well as the vital role the arts play in making our community a place to call home. Buffys 2025 marks the tenth celebration of this vital event.
“Over the past decade, our region has experienced more than its fair share of hardships. Time and again, the community has turned to the arts for respite, entertainment, and connection,” says Liana Wheeldon, Executive Director of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. “The Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards celebrates the meaningful contribution of the arts in our region, giving our artists, educators, and administrators the opportunity to be recognized at home.”
"Ten years celebrating the incredible arts ecosystem has provided the region with inspiration, creativity, and kinship,” adds Will Collins, Board Chair of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. “It's an honour to deliver the Buffys each year and learn about the accomplishments of our local talent."
This year’s theme is Ten Years of Midnight at the Black & White Ball, inspired by Truman Capote’s iconic 1966 party. The signature showcase event will take place on October 18, 2025 at Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre.
Nominations for the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards can be made through the online submission form. Artists are also encouraged to apply directly through our Buffys online portal.
The Buffys 2025 Award Categories are:
- Arts Administration Award
- Arts Education Award
- Craft Award
- Creative Collaboration
- Dance Award
- Indigenous Artist Award
- Ken Flaherty Music Award
- Literary Arts Award
- Media Arts Award
- Performing Arts Award
- Rising Star Award
- Visual Arts Award
- Arts Champion Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Youth Leader in the Arts Award
The deadline to nominate an artist, group, or arts organization is June 16, 2025 at noon.
Nominees are asked to complete an application with information about their creative practice. Artists are also encouraged to directly apply for awards, without having been nominated. All applications must be submitted by July 2, 2025 at noon in order to be adjudicated. The Buffys are adjudicated by a panel of experts hired from across the country.
All award recipients will be announced live at the Buffys 2025: Ten Years of Midnight at the Black and White Ball.
For more information about the Buffys, visit artscouncilwb.ca/buffys. Opportunities to support Buffys 2025 through sponsorship are available.
