About the Program
The Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards Gala, lovingly nicknamed the Buffys, is our region’s premier arts event. The Buffys recognizes the artists 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.
Every October the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards Gala dazzles audiences with world-class performances, vibrant and immersive decor, and an unforgettable show. With a new theme each year, the Buffys is Wood Buffalo’s premier arts event.
2019 - 2022 Community Impact
Award
Categories
Arts Administration
Recognizes an administrator or group of administrators working in arts-related production, marketing, project or organizational management, development, research/curatorship, operations, facility management.
Arts Education
Recognizes a program, arts organization, artist, or teacher working in schools or the community which uses the arts to provide a meaningful learning experience (for any age).
Craft
Artist or group creating functional and non-functional craft-based work including: beadwork, book arts, ceramics, textile, fashion and wearable art, cosplay, furniture, glass, jewellery, metal, or wood.
Creative Collaboration
Artist or group who was part of an innovative partnership to use the arts to contribute to a balanced community by highlighting or focusing on a community need or social issue.
Dance
Artist or group performing or choreographing dance of any format, including cultural dance. Nominees must be 16 years old and up.
Indigenous Artist
Recognizes an Indigenous artist or group, who uses traditional and/or contemporary skills and materials to create art within any artistic discipline.
Ken Flaherty Music Award
Artist or group who performs, composes, writes songs, DJs, and/or works in technical production (all genres of music).
Literary Arts
Artist or group active in poetry, short story, written journalism, fiction, non-fiction, blogging, or publishing.
Media Arts
Recognizes an artist or group working in film, video, podcasting, graphic design, animation, digital art, web-based art, audio/sound art, media art installation, new media, or any fusion thereof.
Performing Arts
Artist or group active in theatre, performance art, acting, directing, playwriting, theatre design, comedy, and/or technical production (such as stage management).
Rising Star
This award is intended to recognize the commitment of a youth artist (age 12-17) in any arts discipline to developing their craft. This typically includes performances and exhibitions and a demonstrated dedication to skill development (classes, workshops, competitions, etc.).
Visual Arts
Recognizes an artist or group active in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, or installation art.
Arts Champion
Recognizes an individual, small business, corporation, social profit, or foundation who has strengthened arts and culture in Wood Buffalo through their support and commitment to the sector. Support can be defined as advocacy, hiring local artists, offering skills and expertise, providing space for the arts, and financial. Recipients of this award are nominated by the Arts Council Wood Buffalo Board of Directors.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes the long-standing significant achievement of an artist over the course of an entire career. This typically includes artistic practice and achievement, recognition by peers, and the artist’s contribution to the local and broader artistic community. Recipients of this award are nominated by the Arts Council Wood Buffalo Board of Directors.
Artist Handbook
Learn more about the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards by reading the Buffys Artist Handbook.