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Together with the Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) and Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH), the City of Orillia’s Business Development, Culture and Tourism Department is pleased to announce this year's nominees and recipients of the 2021 Orillia Regional Arts & Heritage Awards in the following five categories.
- Education in Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Emerging Artist
- Heritage: Restoration, Renovation and Publication
- Event in Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Qennefer Browne Achievement Award
Education in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award recognizes an educator, not necessarily a teacher by profession, whose knowledge and teaching skills inspire others to pursue their interest in the arts and heritage.
This year's nominees: Alex Andrews, Heartworks Children’s Studio, the Orillia Music Centre, and Ron and Ann Harrison.
Emerging Artist Award recognizes an individual of any age who is in the early years (under five years) of launching a career in the arts. Nominees can be pursuing any genre of art including, but not limited to, visual arts, performance arts, literary arts and many more.
This year’s nominees: Brazzledazzle, Norman Catchpole, and Sam Johnston (SAMMY).
Heritage: Restoration, Renovation and Publication Award recognizes an individual or group who brought to life regional history through a physical restoration or creation of a permanent public record.
This year’s nominees are: Fred Blair and Michael Hill.
Event in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award recognizes an individual, organization, or corporation for their part in organizing a single or annual event that showcases the region’s creative talent or cultural heritage.
This year’s nominees are: Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night; OMAH History Committee’s History Speakers Series; and Streets Alive Productions’ Hippie Van Sculptures.
Qennefer Browne Achievement Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of their community. It was named in honour of Qennefer Browne, who gave much of herself to support both arts and heritage organizations within the region.
This year’s nominees are: Lance Anderson, Blair Bailey, Dick Johnston, and Ron Schell.
This Year's 2021 Recipients 
The awards were established to recognize the valuable contribution that educators, historians, and event organizers and supporters make to the vibrancy of our communities. On November 24, 2021, the community came together in-person and virtually for the third annual Orillia Regional Arts & Heritage (ORAH) Awards, to celebrate the achievements of the sector and honour this year’s nominees.
The evening was proudly sponsored by 
Click here to catch the show.
