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The History of The MARTY Awards

The MARTY Awards have been celebrating the greatest achievements in Mississauga’s Arts Sector for over 28 years.

The Mississauga Arts Awards (The MARTYS) are the Mississauga Arts Council’s annual award celebration honouring outstanding individual and organizational contributions to the arts and cultural activity in our city. For the last 28 years, the MARTYS have been the city’s most distinguished red carpet event for recognizing established and emerging artists. The Mississauga Arts Council strives to represent all genres of art and to evolve the MARTY Awards, adding and revisiting categories as needed.

History of the MARTYS

It all started in 1994.

And the first Musician of the Year Award went to Oscar Peterson! The award was taken over by the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC).

The grand night of award giving, recognitions of excellence and hearty fellowship in support of the finest arts performers of the year – now known as The MARTY Awards, began with the former Mississauga Music Council and their annual award for the Musician of The Year. MMC would go on to help with the formation of the Mississauga Arts Council and the building of the Living Arts Centre.

The first Mississauga Arts Awards in 1994 were held in Meadowvale Theatre and celebrated five artistic disciplines: Visual arts, Music arts, Literary arts, Dance, and Theatre; each with an emerging and established category.

In 1995, MAC was presenting an Arts Festival at Square One and made the award presentations into the Festival finale. In 1996, with so much arts and volunteer energy invested in building the Living Arts Centre, the arts awards took a hiatus.

The Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award; recognizing true commitment to the development of the arts in Mississauga, was first awarded in 2000, to Bernice Louie Kwong.

In 2002 two new categories were introduced; combining Dance, Theatre and Music into the new Performing Arts Award and the New Media Award, both with emerging and established awards.

The Beverley A. Ryan Volunteer of the Year Award was introduced in 2006 and the first recipient was Bernice Louie Kwong. There seems to be a theme when it comes to dedication to and hard work in the development and advancement of the arts scene in Mississauga, and it is Bernice Louie Kwong!

In 2007, the Arts Council held a “Name the Award Contest” looking for an memorable new name for the Mississauga Arts Awards and the “MARTY Award” was chosen. “M” as in Mississauga was joined with “ARTY” for arts. The contest winner was Barbara Prins.

In 2010, The Beverley A. Ryan Volunteer of the Year Award was renamed the Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year Award.

In 2011, the People’s Choice Award was introduced and Liberty Silver was selected as the first winner. Also introduced that year was the Creative Community Award, with Ian Greening as the first recipient.

In 2015, the Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced and went to Hazel McCallion.

In 2016, 2 new awards were introduced; Fashion and Beauty and Culinary Arts, and in 2017 they were merged into the Creative Design Category. Also in 2016, the Performing Arts categories reverted back to three separate Theatre Arts, Dance and Music Awards.

In 2017, the new Festival of the Year award was announced and the winner was TD Mosaic Festival. 2017 was also the year that the music category grew to include an instrumental subcategory

The MARTYS were cancelled in 2020 due do the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2021 saw MAC pivot to an online presentation. The Virtual MARTYS premiered on June 29, 2021 and highlighted the creative ingenuity displayed by the achievements of our 37 finalists, 16 MARTY winners and 3 Community Award Winners. Performances by MARTYS host and 2019 Music Solo Vocalist – Established Winner, Arlene; 2019-2021 City of Mississauga Poet Laureate and 2019 MARTY – Literary Arts Emerging Winner, Paul Edward Costa; and 2017 MARTY Dance – Established Winner, Frog in Hand Dance Company. WATCH THE SHOW HERE!

In 2022, the MARTYS returned to the Mississauga Convention Centre on May 19, 2022 to an audience of over 480+. The Media/Digital Arts category was reformed to become the Multimedia Arts category. The show was hosted by 2021 Music Solo Vocalist – Established Winner Matt Zaddy, and co-hosted by 2019 Music Solo Vocalist – Emerging Winner, JACELYN, with performances by Shadow Entertainment, Marta Shpak, 2021 Music Solo Vocalist – Emerging Winner, Gabriela Rodgers, and 2021 Music Group – Emerging Winners, Five and Tens. CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2022 WINNERS & FINALISTS.

In 2023, the MARTYS hosted an audience of 500 of Mississauga’s artists, arts supporters, and civic leaders celebrating the achievements of 59 finalists and 19 Award Winners at Mississauga Convention Centre. A new category, Visual Arts – Public Art was introduced to celebrate the renaissance of public art projects that emerged in Mississauga. The show was hosted by Donovan Fernandes and included performances by Bollywood Dance School, 2022 Music Solo Vocalist – Emerging Winner Adina V, 2022 Music Solo Vocalist – Established Winner David Leask. WATCH A RECAP. CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2023 WINNERS & FINALISTS.

The MARTYS – Past Winners

MARTYS Winners by Category:

Note: Award categories and names have changed/adapted over time, and an award in every category is not necessarily presented each year.

Creative Community & Special Awards

Community Arts Group of the Year:

  • Canadian Community Arts Initiative (CCAI), 2023

Special Award for Theatre Resilience:

  • City Centre Musical Productions (CCMP), 2023

Award for Community Engagement:

  • Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, 2022

Award for Outstanding Community Connection:

  • The Tom and Rick Show, 2021

Creative Community Award:

  • Randy Persaud, 2016
  • The Dam Poets Society, 2015
  • Frog in Hand, 2014
  • Pat Hertzberg, 2013
  • Noelle Hamlyn, 2012
  • Ian Greening, 2011
Dance Award

Dance – Established:

  • Candace Kumar, 2023
  • AJ Velasco, 2022
  • Tobin Thomas, 2021
  • Suma Nair, 2019
  • Anjelica Scannura, 2018
  • Frog in Hand Dance Company, 2017
  • Ashmina Suri, 2016
  • Marie Ann Longlade, 2001
  • Brigid Grant, 1999
  • Belinda McGuire, 1998
  • Darren Smith, 1997
  • Lata Pada, 1995
  • Iris Giggs, 1994

Dance – Emerging:

  • Purawai Vyas, 2022
  • Rohan Dhupar, 2021
  • Joann Wanda Rossitter, 2016
  • Tina Pereira, 2001
  • Krystine Geronimo, 2000
  • Alanna McCrudden, 1999
  • Kelly Fletcher, 1998
  • Jennifer Lossing, 1997
  • Shannon Bond, 1995
  • Julius Sermonia, 1994
Festival of the Year Award

Virtual Festival of the Year:

  • TD Mosaic Festival, 2022
  • #BollywoodMonster Mashup, 2021

Festival of the Year:

  • Paint The Town Red, 2023
  • #BollywoodMonster Mashup, 2019
  • Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival, 2018
  • TD Mosaic, 2017
Fashion, Design & Culinary Awards

Creative Design:

Maya Charbin, 2018 (Emerging)

Shirley Wu, 2018 (Established)

David Dixon, 2017 (Established)

Culinary Arts:

  • Massimo Capra, 2016

Fashion and Beauty:

  • Maya Charbin, 2021(Established)
  • Rashi Bindra, 2019 (Established)
  • Adrian Arnieri, 2019 (Emerging)
  • Tabi-G, 2016
Lifetime Achievement Award

Lifetime Achievement Award:

  • Ron Cameron-Lewis, 2023
  • Paul Eck, 2022
  • Anthony Panacci, 2021
  • Gary Clipperton, 2018
  • Robert J. Sawyer, 2017
  • Lata Pada, 2019
  • Ron Lenyk, 2016
  • Hazel McCallion, 2015

Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement Award:

  • Pieter Kool, 2012
  • Gerald Townsend, 2011
  • Eileen Oswald, 2010
  • Lizann and Bill Star, 2009
  • John Barnum, 2007
  • Peggy Hills-McGuire, 2004
Literary Arts Award

Literary Arts – Established:

  • Manahil Bandukwala, 2023
  • Peta-Gaye Nash, 2022
  • Pratap Reddy, 2021
  • Keith Garebian, 2019
  • Eric Walters, 2018
  • Larissa Fleurette Ho, 2017
  • Jasmine Sawant, 2016
  • Katarzyna Kochany, 2015
  • Anna Yin, 2014
  • Keith Garebian, 2013
  • Kristen McKendry, 2012
  • Peter Jailal, 2011
  • Kathy Buckworth, 2010
  • Sephera Giron, 2009
  • Keith Garebian, 2008
  • Beth Southcott, 2007
  • Judith Christine, 2006
  • Eric Walters, 2005
  • Robert J. Sawyer, 2002
  • Kathleen Hicks, 2001
  • Keith Garebian, 2000
  • Gail Crawford, 1999
  • Brian Stewart, 1998
  • Scott Ruddick, 1997
  • Michael Crawley, 1995
  • Jennifer Footman, 1994

Literary Arts – Emerging:

  • Pujita Verma, 2023
  • Qurat Dar, 2022
  • Carolyne Topdjian, 2021
  • Paul Edward Costa, 2019
  • Michelle Hillyard, 2018
  • Rebecca Zseder, 2017
  • Peter Whelan, 2016
  • Peta-Gaye Nash, 2015
  • Larissa Fleurette Ho, 2014
  • Claire Carver-Dias, 2013
  • Anna Konareva, 2012
  • Zohra Zoberi, 2011
  • Anna Yin, 2010
  • Tanaz Bhathena, 2009
  • Pratap Reddy, 2008
  • Moushumi Chakrabarty, 2007
  • David Yee, 2006
  • Tina Powell, 2005
  • Julia Tausch, 2004
  • Karin Lowachee, 2003
  • Rachel Sa, 2002
  • Andrea Hill, 2001
  • Elizabeth Quinn, 2000
  • Leena Chopra, 1999
  • Jennifer Helgason, 1998
  • Tina Mathias, 1997
  • Tommy Taylor, 1995
  • Visha Sukedo, 1994
Multimedia & Media/Digital Arts Award

Multimedia Arts – Established:

  • Victor Wong, 2023

Multimedia Arts – Emerging:

  • Veronica Spiljak, 2023
  • Gladys Lou, 2022

Media/Digital Arts – Established:

  • Shazia Javed, 2019
  • Cathleen MacDonald, 2018
  • Rosa Wang, 2017
  • Maggie Habieda, 2016
  • Michael Kennedy, 2014
  • Alvin Campaña, 2013
  • Peter Rowe, 2011
  • Richie Mehta, 2010
  • Aida Memisevic, 2009
  • Doreen Renner, 2008
  • Gabriella Bank, 2007

Media/Digital Arts – Emerging:

  • Vrishub Merai, 2021
  • Alezander Desouza, 2019
  • Francesco Philip Reale, 2018
  • Shazia Javed, 2017
  • Mathew Murray, 2016
  • Troy Aaron De Four, 2015
  • Nick “Nick Name” Londono, 2014
  • Tristan Barrocks, 2013
  • Dany Gehshan, 2012
  • Jeffrey Pike, 2011
  • Morgan Muscat, 2010
  • Matthew Yipchuk, 2009
  • Giselle Acosta, 2008
  • Jeff Campagna, 2007
  • Jon Garcia, 2006
  • Samuel Chow, 2005
  • Wilson Hacking, 2004
  • Alvin Campana, 2003
  • Patrick Thorton, 2002
Music Awards

Music Group – Established:

  • JoSH the Band, 2022
  • MAYBE MAY, 2021
  • The Dreamboats, 2019
  • ViVA Trio, 2018
  • Billy Talent, 2017

Music Group – Emerging:

  • One In The Chamber, 2022
  • Five and Tens, 2021
  • Uforia, 2019
  • The Dreamboats, 2018
  • Keys To Belfast, 2017

Music Solo Instrumental – Established:

  • Radhika Baskar, 2023
  • Curtis Freeman, 2022
  • Davor Jordanovski, 2021
  • Ross MacIntyre, 2019
  • Rob Tardik, 2018
  • Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, 2017

Music Solo Instrumental – Emerging:

  • Julijana Hajdinjak, 2019
  • Mason Victoria, 2018
  • Naoko Sakata, 2017

Music Solo Vocal – Established:

  • Tennyson King, 2023
  • David Leask, 2022
  • Matt Zaddy, 2021
  • Arlene, 2019
  • Alessia Cohle, 2018
  • Chuck Jackson, 2017
  • lx Veliz, 2017

Music Solo Vocal – Emerging:

  • Sarah Catharine, 2023
  • Adina V, 2022
  • Gabriela Rodgers, 2021
  • Jacelyn Holmes, 2019
  • Abhishek Venkatachalam, 2018
  • Nicholas Cunha, 2017

Music Individual – Established:

  • David O’Hearn, 2016
  • Adrian Anantawan, 2001
  • Joanna Jordan, 2000
  • Anthony Panacci, 1999
  • Anthony Bastianon, 1998
  • Chris Bentley, 1997
  • Michael Coghlan, 1995
  • Susan Barber Kahro, 1994

Music Individual – Emerging:

  • Anna Wojick, 2016
  • Debi Sander Walker, 2001
  • Irene Wong, 2000
  • Lisa Griffiths, 1999
  • Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, 1998
  • Karen Wierzba, 1997
  • Darren Dunstan, 1995
  • Elaine Hou, 1994
Patron of the Arts Award

Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award:

  • Brightwater, 2023
  • Lakeview Community Partners, 2022
  • Port Credit Community Foundation, 2021
  • Heather Snell, 2019
  • Pratt and Whitney Canada, 2018
  • Jack Prazeres, 2017
  • Gil Moore, 2015
  • Eleanor Calbes, 2014
  • Fred Durdan, 2013
  • Patti Jannetta, 2008
  • Chuck Jackson, 2006
  • Dr. Roger Beck, 2005
  • Gary Clipperton, 2003
  • Bette Pauli, 2002
  • Jean Sinclair, 2001
  • Bernice Louie Kwong, 2000
People’s Choice Award

People’s Choice Award:

  • Harbir Singh, 2016
  • Justin Covas, 2015
  • Monster Rock Orchestra, 2014
  • Stephanie McKenzie, 2013
  • Andre Anthony Reid, 2012
  • Liberty Silver, 2011
Performing Arts Award

Performing Arts Group – Established:

  • All Masters Lion Dance, 2015
  • Mississauga Pops, 2015
  • Clarkson Music Theatre, 2014
  • Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre, 2013
  • Johnny Max Band, 2012
  • Orchestras Mississauga, 2011
  • Ill Scarlett, 2010
  • Mississauga Choral Society, 2009
  • Meadowvale Music Theatre, 2008
  • Sampradaya Dance Creations, 2007
  • Mississauga Youth Theatre, 2006
  • Mississauga Children Choir, 2005
  • Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble, 2004
  • Group des Arts Bassan, 2003
  • Mississauga Players, 2002

Performing Arts Group – Emerging:

  • Dead Penny, 2015
  • Ballroom Babies, 2014
  • Word Made Flesh Productions, 2013
  • Vibonics, 2012
  • Cut Throat Kids, 2011
  • Celebrity Symphony Orchestra, 2010
  • TorQ Percussion Quartet, 2009
  • Bridging the Gap, 2008
  • Keepin6, 2007
  • ErinOak Drama Program, 2005
  • Billy Talent, 2004
  • Candy Factory Theatre, 2003
  • Cow Over Moon, 2002

Performing Arts Individual – Established:

  • Peter Katz, 2015
  • Carol McCartney, 2014
  • Tom Barlow, 2013
  • Vandana Vishwas, 2012
  • Don Breithaupt, 2011
  • Cristina Pora Balaceanu, 2010
  • Irshad Khad, 2009
  • Nancy Walker, 2008
  • Rob Tardik, 2007
  • Bozidar Vitkovic, 2006
  • Krisztina Szabo, 2005
  • David Leask, 2004
  • Charles Cozens, 2003
  • Rik Emmet, 2002

Performing Arts Individual – Emerging:

  • William Leathers, 2015
  • Frank Anthony, 2014
  • Austin McDonald, 2013
  • Amanda Cleghorn, 2012
  • Vikas Kohli, 2011
  • Austin Di lulio, 2010
  • David Norsworthy, 2009
  • Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, 2008
  • Erica Nicole Peck, 2007
  • Jennie Laws, 2006
  • John R.M. Saunders, 2005
  • Shadia Simmons, 2004
  • Praise Lam, 2003
  • Christopher Miranda, 2002
Theatre Arts Award

Theatre – Established:

  • Theatre Unlimited Performing Arts, 2022
  • Jasmine Sawant, 2021
  • Calliope Sound Productions, 2019
  • City Centre Musical Productions, 2017
  • Sawitri Theatre, 2016
  • Tom Vanderberg, 2001
  • Marie Gibson, 2000
  • Nancy Guertin, 1999
  • Hasel Dalgeish, 1998
  • Gary Wallace, 1997
  • Eunice Toogood, 1995
  • Fran Goddu, 1994

Theatre – Emerging:

  • Ashutosh Walia, 2022
  • Adriana Serra, 2017
  • Sid Sawant, 2016
  • Heather Brissenden, 2001
  • Nicole St. Martin, 2000
  • Terry Costa, 1999
  • Zaib Shaikh, 1998
  • Denise Oucharek, 1997
  • Susanne Cooper, 1995
  • Melissa Taddeo, 1994
Visual Arts Award

Visual Art – Established:

  • Stephanie Schirm, 2023
  • Lisa Jayne Irvine, 2022
  • Sherry Prenevost, 2021
  • Hans Poppe, 2019
  • Huan Chen, 2018
  • Laura Beaton, 2017
  • Noelle Hamlyn, 2016
  • Lizz Aston, 2015
  • Irene Monique Salehi, 2014
  • Cal (Cait) Harben, 2013
  • Pat Hertzberg, 2012
  • Leszek Wyczolkowski, 2011
  • Ishrat Raza Suhrwady, 2010
  • Sonja Hidas, 2009
  • Doreen Renner, 2008
  • Cesar Forero, 2007
  • Anna Yuschuk, 2006
  • Peter Locke, 2005
  • Margaret Squire, 2004
  • Bruce Cochrane, 2003
  • Tom La Pierre, 2002
  • Gil Caldwell, 2001
  • Don Dickson, 2000
  • Fay Sproule, 1999
  • Lila Lewis Irving, 1998
  • Shirley Erskine, 1997
  • Frank Berry, 1995
  • George Rackus, 1994

Visual Art – Emerging:

  • Karim Machado-Aman, 2023
  • Marlon Porter, 2022
  • Yen Linh Thai, 2021
  • Katherine A. Laird, 2019
  • Kathlynn Hoang, 2018
  • Angela Chao, 2017
  • Fatima Fasih, 2016
  • Breanna Shanahan, 2015
  • Amanda Baron, 2014
  • Francesco Reale, 2013
  • Sherry Prenevost, 2012
  • Jeff Macintosh, 2011
  • Megan McCabe, 2010
  • Megan Sinnett, 2009
  • Jennifer Chan, 2008
  • Alison Kobayashi, 2007
  • Stephen Paul Futon, 2006
  • Lydia Panart, 2005
  • Sylvia Bartosik, 2004
  • Alex Bartosik, 2003
  • Juliana Schewe, 2002
  • Andre Manga, 2001
  • Lisa Jayne Irvine, 2000
  • Cameron Sharpe, 1999
  • Walter Chaisson, 1998
  • Paul Macgowan, 1997
  • Nazy Sakhavarz, 1995
  • Jason Coulson, 1994
Volunteer of the Year Award

Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year:

  • Elizabeth Banfalvi, 2023
  • Diane Goldsmith 2022
  • Mary Miskic 2021
  • Michael Buchert 2019
  • Rita Ferguson 2018
  • Jake Dheer 2017
  • Fatima Fasih 2016
  • Marlene Taylor 2015
  • Arlene Paculan 2014
  • Gena Elizabeth Norbury 2013
  • Arshad Mahmood 2012
  • Kofi Sankofa 2011
  • Freda Harrington 2010

Beverley A. Ryans Arts Volunteer of the Year:

  • Doreen Chadock, 2009
  • Cristina Sanchez, 2007
  • Bernice Louie Kwong, 2006

MARTYS Winners by Year:

Note: The MARTYS were not held in 1996 or 2020.

2023
  • Candace Kumar, Dance – Established
  • Cullen McFater, Film/Video Arts – Emerging
  • Vanessa Burns, Film/Video Arts – Established
  • Pujita Verma, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Manahil Bandukwala, Literary Arts – Established
  • Radhika Baskar, Music Instrumental – Established
  • Sarah Catharine, Music Solo Vocalist – Emerging
  • Tennyson King, Music Solo Vocalist – Established
  • Veronica Spiljak, Visual Arts Multimedia – Emerging
  • Victor Wong, Visual Arts Multimedia – Established
  • Omar Hopkinson, Visual Arts Public Art
  • Karim Machado-Aman, Visual Arts Traditional Forms – Emerging
  • Stephanie Schirm, Visual Arts Traditional Forms – Established
  • Canadian Community Arts Initiative (CCAI), Community Arts Group of the Year
  • Paint The Town Red Port Credit Canada Day Celebrations, Festival of the Year
  • Elizabeth Banfalvi, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Brightwater, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Ron Cameron-Lewis, Lifetime Achievement
  • City Centre Musical Productions (CCMP), Special Award for Theatre Resilience
2022
  • Purawai Vyas, Dance – Emerging
  • AJ Velasco, Dance – Established
  • Emily Ryder, Film/Video Arts – Emerging
  • Diane L. Johnstone, Film/Video Arts – Established
  • Qurat Dar, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Peta-Gaye Nash, Literary Arts – Established
  • Gladys Lou, Multimedia Arts – Emerging
  • One In The Chamber, Music Group – Emerging
  • JoSH the Band, Music Group – Established
  • Curtis Freeman, Music Instrumental – Established
  • Adina V, Music Solo Vocalist – Emerging
  • David Leask, Music Solo Vocalist – Established
  • Ashutosh Walia, Theatre Arts – Emerging
  • Theatre Unlimited Performing Arts, Theatre Arts – Established
  • Marlon Porter, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Lisa Jayne Irvine, Visual Arts – Established
  • TD Mosaic Festival, Virtual Festival of the Year
  • Lakeview Community Partners, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Awards
  • Paul Eck, Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Diane Goldsmith, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, Community Engagement Award
2021
  • Rohan Dhupar, Dance – Emerging
  • Tobin Thomas, Dance – Established
  • Vrishub Merai, Digital Arts – Emerging
  • Maya Charbin, Fashion and Beauty – Established
  • Mary Miskic, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Port Credit Community Foundation, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Anthony Panacci, Lifetime Achievement
  • Carolyne Topdjian, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Pratap Reddy, Literary Arts – Established
  • Five and Tens, Music Group – Emerging
  • MAYBE MAY, Music Group – Established
  • Davor Jordanovski, Music Solo Instrumental – Established
  • Gabriela Rodgers, Music Solo Vocal – Emerging
  • Matt Zaddy, Music Solo Vocal – Established
  • The Tom and Rick Show, Special Award for Outstanding Community Connection
  • Jasmine Sawant, Theatre – Established
  • MonstrARTity – #BollywoodMonster Mashup, Virtual Festival of the Year
  • Yen Linh Thai, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Sherry Prenevost, Visual Arts – Established
2019
  • Suma Nair, Dance – Established
  • Alezander Desouza, Digital Arts – Emerging
  • Shazia Javed, Digital Arts – Established
  • Adrian Arnieri, Fashion and Beauty – Emerging
  • Rashi Bindra, Fashion and Beauty – Established
  • #BollywoodMonsterMashup, Festival of the Year
  • Michael Buchert, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Heather Snell, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Lata Pada, Lifetime Achievement
  • Paul Edward Costa, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Keith Garebian, Literary Arts – Established
  • Uforia, Music Group – Emerging
  • The Dreamboats, Music Group – Established
  • Julijana Hajdinjak, Music Solo Instrumental – Emerging
  • Ross MacIntyre, Music Solo Instrumental – Established
  • Jacelyn Holmes, Music Solo Vocal – Emerging
  • Arlene, Music Solo Vocal – Established
  • Calliope Sound Productions, Theatre – Established
  • Katherine A. Laird, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Hans Poppe, Visual Arts – Established
2018
  • Maya Charbin, Creative Design – Emerging
  • Shirley Wu, Creative Design – Established
  • Anjelica Scannura, Dance – Established
  • Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival, Festival of the Year
  • Rita Ferguson, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Pratt and Whitney Canada, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Gary Clipperton, Lifetime Achievement
  • Michelle Hillyard, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Eric Walters, Literary Arts – Established
  • Francesco Philip Reale, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Cathleen MacDonald, Media Arts – Established
  • The Dreamboats, Music Group – Emerging
  • ViVA Trio, Music Group – Established
  • Mason Victoria, Music Solo Instrumental – Emerging
  • Rob Tardik, Music Solo Instrumental – Established
  • Abhishek Venkatachalam, Music Solo Vocal – Emerging
  • Alessia Cohle, Music Solo Vocal – Established
  • Kathlynn Hoang, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Huan Chen, Visual Arts – Established
2017
  • David Dixon, Creative Design – Established
  • Frog in Hand Company, Dance – Established
  • TD Mosaic, Festival of the Year
  • Jake Dheer, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Jack Prazeres, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Robert J. Sawyer, Lifetime Achievement
  • Rebecca Zseder, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Larissa Fleurette Ho, Literary Arts – Established
  • Shazia Javed, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Rosa Wang, Media Arts – Established
  • Keys To Belfast, Music Group – Emerging
  • Billy Talent, Music Group – Established
  • Naoko Sakata, Music Solo Instrumental – Emerging
  • Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, Music Solo Instrumental – Established
  • Nicholas Cunha, Music Solo Vocal – Emerging
  • Chuck Jackson, Music Solo Vocal – Established
  • lx Veliz, Music Solo Vocal – Established
  • Adriana Serra, Theatre – Emerging
  • City Centre Musical Productions, Theatre – Established
  • Angela Chao, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Laura Beaton, Visual Arts – Established
2016
  • Randy Persaud, Creative Community Award
  • Massimo Capra, Culinary Arts – Established
  • Joann Wanda Rossitter, Dance – Emerging
  • Ashmina Suri, Dance – Established
  • Tabi-G, Fashion and Beauty
  • Fatima Fasih, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Ron Lenyk, Lifetime Achievement
  • Peter Whelan, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Jasmine Sawant, Literary Arts – Established
  • Mathew Murray, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Maggie Habieda, Media Arts – Established
  • Anna Wojick, Music – Emerging
  • David O’Hearn, Music – Established
  • Harbir Singh, People’s Choice
  • Sid Sawant, Theatre – Emerging
  • Sawitri Theatre, Theatre – Established
  • Fatima Fasih, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Noelle Hamlyn, Visual Arts – Established
2015
  • The Dam Poets Society, Creative Community Award
  • Marlene Taylor, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Gil Moore, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Hazel McCallion, Lifetime Achievement
  • Peta-Gaye Nash, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Katarzyna Kochany, Literary Arts – Established
  • Troy Aaron De Four, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Justin Covas, People’s Choice
  • Dead Penny, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • All Masters Lion Dance, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Mississauga Pops, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • William Leathers, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Peter Katz, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Breanna Shanahan, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Lizz Aston, Visual Arts – Established
2014
  • Frog in Hand, Creative Community Award
  • Arlene Paculan, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Eleanor Calbes, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Larissa Fleurette Ho, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Anna Yin, Literary Arts – Established
  • Nick “Nick Name” Londono, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Michael Kennedy, Media Arts – Established
  • Monster Rock Orchestra, People’s Choice
  • Ballroom Babies, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Clarkson Music Theatre, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Frank Anthony, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Carol McCartney, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Amanda Baron, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Irene Monique Salehi, Visual Arts – Established
2013
  • Pat Hertzberg, Creative Community Award
  • Gena Elizabeth Norbury, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Fred Durdan, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Claire Carver-Dias, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Keith Garebian, Literary Arts – Established
  • Tristan Barrocks, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Alvin Campaña, Media Arts – Established
  • Stephanie McKenzie, People’s Choice
  • Word Made Flesh Productions, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Austin McDonald, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Tom Barlow, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Francesco Reale, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Cal (Cait) Harben, Visual Arts – Established

2012
  • Noelle Hamlyn, Creative Community Award
  • Arshad Mahmood, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Pieter Kool, Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement
  • Anna Konareva, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Kristen McKendry, Literary Arts – Established
  • Dany Gehshan, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Andre Anthony Reid, People’s Choice
  • Vibonics, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Johnny Max Band, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Amanda Cleghorn, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Vandana Vishwas, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Sherry Prenevost, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Pat Hertzberg, Visual Arts – Established

2011
  • Ian Greening, Creative Community Award
  • Kofi Sankofa, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Gerald Townsend, Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement
  • Zohra Zoberi, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Peter Jailal, Literary Arts – Established
  • Jeffrey Pike, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Peter Rowe, Media Arts – Established
  • Liberty Silver, People’s Choice
  • Cut Throat Kids, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Orchestras Mississauga, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Vikas Kohli, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Don Breithaupt, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Jeff Macintosh, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Leszek Wyczolkowski, Visual Arts – Established

2010
  • Freda Harrington, Hazel McCallion Volunteer of the Year
  • Eileen Oswald, Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement
  • Anna Yin, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Kathy Buckworth, Literary Arts – Established
  • Morgan Muscat, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Richie Mehta, Media Arts – Established
  • Celebrity Symphony Orchestra, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Ill Scarlett, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Austin Di lulio, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Cristina Pora Balaceanu, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Megan McCabe, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Ishrat Raza Suhrwady, Visual Arts – Established
2009
  • Doreen Chadock, Beverley A. Ryans Arts Volunteer of the Year
  • Lizann and Bill Star, Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement
  • Tanaz Bhathena, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Sephera Giron, Literary Arts – Established
  • Matthew Yipchuk, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Aida Memisevic, Media Arts – Established
  • TorQ Percussion Quartet, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Mississauga Choral Society, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • David Norsworthy, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Irshad Khad, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Megan Sinnett, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Sonja Hidas, Visual Arts – Established

2008
  • Patti Jannetta, Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement
  • Pratap Reddy, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Keith Garebian, Literary Arts – Established
  • Giselle Acosta, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Doreen Renner, Media Arts – Established
  • Bridging the Gap, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Meadowvale Music Theatre, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Nancy Walker, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Jennifer Chan, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Doreen Renner, Visual Arts – Established

2007
  • Cristina Sanchez, Beverley A. Ryans Arts Volunteer of the Year
  • John Barnum, Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement
  • Moushumi Chakrabarty, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Beth Southcott, Literary Arts – Established
  • Jeff Campagna, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Gabriella Bank, Media Arts – Established
  • Keepin6, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Sampradaya Dance Creations, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Erica Nicole Peck, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Rob Tardik, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Alison Kobayashi, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Cesar Forero, Visual Arts – Established

2006
  • Bernice Louie Kwong, Beverley A. Ryans Arts Volunteer of the Year
  • Chuck Jackson, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • David Yee, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Judith Christine, Literary Arts – Established
  • Jon Garcia, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Mississauga Youth Theatre, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Jennie Laws, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Bozidar Vitkovic, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Stephen Paul Futon, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Anna Yuschuk, Visual Arts – Established
2005
  • Dr. Roger Beck, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Tina Powell, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Eric Walters, Literary Arts – Established
  • Samuel Chow, Media Arts – Emerging
  • ErinOak Drama Program, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Mississauga Children Choir, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • John R.M. Saunders, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Krisztina Szabo, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Lydia Panart, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Peter Locke, Visual Arts – Established
2004
  • Peggy Hills-McGuire, Laurie Pallett Lifetime Achievement
  • Julia Tausch, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Wilson Hacking, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Billy Talent, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Shadia Simmons, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • David Leask, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Sylvia Bartosik, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Margaret Squire, Visual Arts – Established
2003
  • Gary Clipperton, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Karin Lowachee, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Alvin Campana, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Candy Factory Theatre, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Group des Arts Bassan, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Praise Lam, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Charles Cozens, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Alex Bartosik, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Bruce Cochrane, Visual Arts – Established

2002
  • Bette Pauli, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Rachel Sa, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Robert J. Sawyer, Literary Arts – Established
  • Patrick Thorton, Media Arts – Emerging
  • Cow Over Moon, Performing Arts Group – Emerging
  • Mississauga Players, Performing Arts Group – Established
  • Christopher Miranda, Performing Arts Individual – Emerging
  • Rik Emmet, Performing Arts Individual – Established
  • Juliana Schewe, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Tom La Pierre, Visual Arts – Established
2001
  • Tina Pereira, Dance – Emerging
  • Marie Ann Longlade, Dance – Established
  • Jean Sinclair, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Andrea Hill, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Kathleen Hicks, Literary Arts – Established
  • Debi Sander Walker, Music – Emerging
  • Adrian Anantawan, Music – Established
  • Heather Brissenden, Theatre – Emerging
  • Tom Vanderberg, Theatre – Established
  • Andre Manga, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Gil Caldwell, Visual Arts – Established
2000
  • Krystine Geronimo, Dance – Emerging
  • Bernice Louie Kwong, Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts
  • Elizabeth Quinn, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Keith Garebian, Literary Arts – Established
  • Irene Wong, Music – Emerging
  • Joanna Jordan, Music – Established
  • Nicole St. Martin, Theatre – Emerging
  • Marie Gibson, Theatre – Established
  • Lisa Jayne Irvine, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Don Dickson, Visual Arts – Established
1999
  • Alanna McCrudden, Dance – Emerging
  • Brigid Grant, Dance – Established
  • Leena Chopra, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Gail Crawford, Literary Arts – Established
  • Lisa Griffiths, Music – Emerging
  • Anthony Panacci, Music – Established
  • Terry Costa, Theatre – Emerging
  • Nancy Guertin, Theatre – Established
  • Cameron Sharpe, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Fay Sproule, Visual Arts – Established
1998
  • Kelly Fletcher, Dance – Emerging
  • Belinda McGuire, Dance – Established
  • Jennifer Helgason, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Brian Stewart, Literary Arts – Established
  • Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, Music – Emerging
  • Anthony Bastianon, Music – Established
  • Zaib Shaikh, Theatre – Emerging
  • Hasel Dalgeish, Theatre – Established
  • Walter Chaisson, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Lila Lewis Irving, Visual Arts – Established
1997
  • Jennifer Lossing, Dance – Emerging
  • Darren Smith, Dance – Established
  • Tina Mathias, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Scott Ruddick, Literary Arts – Established
  • Karen Wierzba, Music – Emerging
  • Chris Bentley, Music – Established
  • Denise Oucharek, Theatre – Emerging
  • Gary Wallace, Theatre – Established
  • Paul Macgowan, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Shirley Erskine, Visual Arts – Established
1995
  • Shannon Bond, Dance – Emerging
  • Lata Prada, Dance – Established
  • Tommy Taylor, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Michael Crawley, Literary Arts – Established
  • Darren Dunstan, Music – Emerging
  • Michael Coghlan, Music – Established
  • Susanne Cooper, Theatre – Emerging
  • Eunice Toogood, Theatre – Established
  • Nazy Sakhavarz, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • Frank Berry, Visual Arts – Established
1994
  • Julius Sermonia, Dance – Emerging
  • Iris Giggs, Dance – Established
  • Visha Sukedo, Literary Arts – Emerging
  • Jennifer Footman, Literary Arts – Established
  • Elaine Hou, Music – Emerging
  • Susan Barber Kahro, Music – Established
  • Melissa Taddeo, Theatre – Emerging
  • Fran Goddu, Theatre – Established
  • Jason Coulson, Visual Arts – Emerging
  • George Rackus, Visual Arts – Established