Nominations, self-applications and sponsorship opportunities are now open for Buffys 2021 (a.k.a., Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards).
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is inviting residents from across the region to self-apply or nominate artists or groups for a Buffy in one or more category covering all artistic disciplines. Residents and community organizations are also invited to celebrate the benefits of local art through a number of sponsorship opportunities.
“Buffys 2021 will be our 6th annual arts awards showcase, which is designed to recognize and celebrate artistic excellence in our region,” says Programs Manager, Luay Eljamal. “Every day, our artists positively impact the people who live in Wood Buffalo from every demographic, and the Buffys showcase is a great way for us to highlight how the arts can benefit individuals, as well as society as a whole.”
The nomination process will lead to an awards showcase event scheduled for October 16, 2021, which will premiere online as a free cinematic experience. Each award recipient will be presented with a $250 cheque, a certificate, and an award (i.e., Buffy) that has been handcrafted by a local artist. Short-listed nominees will also be recognized and included in the showcase.
Twelve art award categories are available for public nomination, including Arts Administration, Arts Education, Craft, Creative Collaboration, Dance, Indigenous Arts, Literary Arts, Media Arts, Ken Flaherty Music Award, Rising Star, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts.
The deadline for nominations is July 15 at noon, and self-applications close on July 30 at noon. Good news for those who applied in 2020: the online portal will allow applications to copy their application and simply update accordingly.
The recognition given to each nominee and award recipient helps to raise their profile as professionals, add to their portfolios, and allow opportunities to thrive in our region and beyond.
A number of artist calls are currently active to help in the creation of Buffys 2021. Local artists are encouraged to apply for a number of paid opportunities available HERE.
“We couldn’t hold a Buffys showcase without the support of local community organizations, leaders and stakeholders,” says ACWB Executive Director, Liana Wheeldon. “You are a fundamental part of our arts community. We’re grateful for your ongoing support of the Arts Awards and for believing in the benefits of the arts for communities and the local economy.”
In 2020, the Buffys provided 80 paid work opportunities for artists, and picked up almost 14,000 views for the event premiere. A variety of sponsorship levels are available to allow organizations of all types and sizes to participate.
For more information, or to secure your sponsor opportunity, contact Liana Wheeldon, Executive Director: liana@artscouncilwb.ca or 587-674-1625 x. 100.
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is committed to equity and inclusion, and encourages applications and nominations from culturally diverse, deaf, disability and official language minority artists, groups and organizations. Arts Council recognizes and affirms the treaty rights of the Indigenous peoples of this land, and encourages applications and nominations from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, groups, and organizations.
To learn more about the award categories, dates and deadlines, and to nominate or self-apply, visit artscouncilwb.ca/buffys.
