Nominations are open for the inaugural Acorn Arts Award created by Oak Bay’s arts laureate this summer.
The award recognizes and celebrates outstanding community artists and groups while building awareness of contributions made in Oak Bay and beyond.
“This is the first year and we’re seeking nominations for a group, an individual, a business who’s made significant contribution to arts and culture in Oak Bay,” said Barbara Adams, Oak Bay arts laureate. “We’re very excited to be able to give this award.”
The Acorn Arts Award was created to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding artistic merit or contributions in Oak Bay, enhance awareness of the arts and the role they play in nourishing Oak Bay’s economic, social and emotional well-being and acknowledge those who have contributed to an enlivened, healthy and meaningful community.
“We want to acknowledge significant outstanding artistic merit in their contribution,” she said. “Has this person, business or group enhanced the role of the arts in Oak Bay? Have they made it more broad, have they made more depth, have they made it joyful.”
The award has no monetary value but recipients will receive an acorn keepsake. Individuals receive a pin, designed by Barclay’s Jewellers, while group recipients will receive a bronze sculpture by artists Fred Dobbs and Nathan Scott, modelled after their Sleeping Giants sculpture on municipal hall lawn.
“The arts can include, but are not limited to, visual arts, crafts, design, film, new media, music, dance, writing, public art, theatre arts, philanthropy, business supporting the arts, volunteerism in the arts, culinary arts, landscape art or architecture.
Deadline is Dec. 31.
Visit www.oakbay.ca and search Acorn Arts Award to download the nomination form.