Skip to Content

City of Oshawa homepage City of Oshawa homepage

Back to Homepage

Text Resize

Regular Large X-Large

Colour Contrast

Default High

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, please contact [email protected]

View Our Accessibility Plan

  • A.S.L.
  • Careers
  • Live Chat
  • Apply & Register
    • Animal Licence
    • Apply for a Job
    • Bid Opportunity
    • Blue Box and Green Bin
    • Building Permits
    • Business Licence
    • Certification of Recognition
    • Development Application
    • Freedom of Information Request
    • Grant or Rebate
    • Parking Permit
  • Pay & Buy
    • Animal Licences
    • By-law Penalty
    • Donations
    • Parking Tickets
    • Property Taxes
    • Recreation Program
  • Get Involved
    • Attend or View a Meeting
    • Connect with Oshawa
    • Contact Council
    • Service Feedback
    • Speak at a meeting
    • Submit a Complaint
    • Volunteer
  • Report an Issue
    • City or Park Tree Maintenance
    • Faulty Parking Meter or Pay Machine
    • Lost Pet
    • Missed Garbage Collection
    • Parks or Trail Maintenance
    • Roadway or Sidewalk Maintenance
    • Streetlight Out
    • Service Oshawa Online
Contact Us
  • Art and Exhibitions
    • Art and Exhibitions
    • Artist Calls
    • Arts and Culture in the Hall
    • TeachingCity
  • Arts Events and Activities
    View More...
    • Arts Events and Activities
    • Creative Classes
    • Culture Days
    • Culture Map
    • Culture Summit
    • Doors Open
    • Event Calendar
    • Urban Art Festival
  • Culture Counts
    • Culture Counts
    • Arts, Culture and Heritage Plan
    • Cultural Leadership Council
    • Public Art Policy and Master Plan
    • Public Art Task Force
  • Funding and Support
    • Funding and Support
    • Arts, Culture and Heritage Award Program
    • Arts, Culture, and Heritage Funding
  • Public Art
    • Public Art
    • Urban Art Park
    • Public Artworks
  • Festivals and Events
X

Staff watering plants in the City of Oshawa greenhouse

Arts Culture and Heritage Award Program

Home...Arts and CultureFunding and SupportArts, Culture and Heritage Award Program
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

The City of Oshawa is proud to celebrate the individuals, collectives and organizations that contribute to making Oshawa a great place to live, work and play. Two award programs, the Community Legends Award and the Oshawa Culture Counts Awards, are awarded each spring annually.

Community Legends Award

Each year, a Community Legend Award recipient is selected and recognized by Oshawa City Council. In addition, a temporary display will be available at the Delpark Homes Centre, along with a permanent plaque.

Eligibility

The Community Legends Award recognizes a person of any age or an organization/group who:

  • made a significant contribution to an activity, sport or community initiative as a volunteer
  • contributed to improving the quality of life of the Oshawa community
  • made a significant impact on the Oshawa community at a grassroots level through arts and culture, sports or community initiatives

Nomination Form

The nomination period for the 2023 Community Legend recipient is closed. Nominations for the 2024 Community Legend will open in January 2024.

Review Process

Nominations for the Community Legends Award are reviewed and selected by the Community Services Committee for recommendation to Council for final approval.

2023 Recipient

Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Durham Region Branch

  • The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Durham Region Branch (UCC-Durham) impacts the Oshawa community through local initiatives it has led in response to the geopolitical situation in Ukraine.
  • They mobilized as an umbrella organization uniting both Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian community members and volunteers, leaders, and religious and other organizations in Oshawa.
  • Together they have worked with Municipal, Regional, Provincial and Federal governments to organize the Durham Ukrainian Relief Project and the Durham Ukrainian Relief Fund (DURF).
  • Through the DURF, UCC-Durham was able to issue financial aid to 27 Ukrainian newcomer families and temporary housing support for 8 families.
  • UCC-Durham continues to collaborate with community partners including Oshawa and Durham host families, volunteers, local hotel chains, private landlords, food banks, schools, transit, employers, and various levels of government to support newcomers.
  • The UCC-Durham has organized 88 rallies and will continue in their efforts to show support for Ukraine during the full-scale war in Ukraine.
  • UCC-Durham has organized fundraisers to support local cultural initiatives including Ukrainian language school and dance ensembles whose members/participants include the Ukrainian diaspora in Oshawa and Durham Region. These groups have entertained and enriched the fabric of Oshawa's Cultural landscape through participation in, and support of, events such as Fiesta Week.

Previous Recipients

  • Julian Sheehan-Ford
    Fifteen-year-old Julian's efforts and passions have impacted the community, especially when it comes to veterans. Since the age of eight he has been visiting veterans and handing out roses to thank them for their sacrifice and service. At thirteen he began constructing crosses and displaying them in his front yard eventually selling them to raise funds. Julian has raised over $10,000 through his charity “ A Rose to Remember” for veterans. He is a Canadian ambassador for the Free Riders Without Borders and has donated to Reno's for Heroes to supply house repairs for veterans. Julian's crosses have been displayed at Oshawa City Hall as well as Toronto.
  • Jim Fergusson
    Jim is the lead of the Food for Clothing Exchange initiative in Oshawa. For over 30 years, this event has taken place on the first Saturday of November at a local school gymnasium. The number of individuals served varies from year to year, with more than 530 receiving clothing in 2019. Donations of non-perishable food items are accepted as well, and are donated to local food banks following the event. Any clothing or footwear not selected during the event is donated afterwards to agencies and shelters where a need has been identified.
  • S.J. Jim Brewster
    Jim was born in Oshawa in 1924. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Air Force. He became a navigator on bombers, mostly Lancasters, and flew many missions over enemy territory. After the war he started a business called Mechanical Advertising which is still in business today. Over the years he has donated almost a $1,000,000 to the Oshawa hospital. He has been a member of Legion #43 for over 70 years. A street is to be named after him.
  • Sharon Clark
    Sharon has worked closely with Durham Children's Aid Foundation through her own charity Sharon's Kids which is celebrating 50 years this year! Sharon has worked tirelessly finding ways to better children's lives at Christmas and year round. Her big heart and caring attitude has brought happiness to countless children through the years and is reflected in her message of "making smiles possible".
  • Gord Reid
    Gord was a foster parent, Block Parent, and a member of the Neighbourhood Watch. He volunteered with Community Care Durham, Meals on Wheels and the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centers. He was awarded the Provincial honour of Senior of the Year in 2008. Gord was also a tireless advocate for the rights of older adults. His persistence resulted in the modification of the income tax rebate program to favour low income seniors.
  • Mal Knocker
    Mal has served his community through the Canadian Armed Forces, the Oshawa Fire Department (35 years), as a coach to numerous teams, fundraiser and blood donor (140 units). He is a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43 and also Drum Major of their Pipe Band.
  • Chelsea Smith
    A dedicated student who has given her time at the Y.M.C.A., a local seniors centre, Lakeridge Health, as an afterschool helper as well as helping to building schools in Africa.
  • Jackie Finn
    42 years of community service with the trade union, Meals on Wheels and the Auto Workers Community Credit Union.
  • Viola Pilkey
    Significant contribution of time and talent to social causes and political parties.
  • Bob Hooper
    "Oshawa's #1 Fan"
  • Ken Shaw
    A tireless volunteer devoted to numerous charities.
  • Dave Thompson
    Dedication and leadership in the development of rugby in Oshawa.
  • Jim Potticary
    Advocating for the health, welfare and happiness of senior citizens
  • Oshawa Block Parents Association
    Providing a safe haven for the children in our community.

Culture Counts Awards

The Oshawa Culture Counts Awards celebrate and honour the creative and cultural achievements of the community in three categories:

  • Oshawa Culture Counts Professional Artist
  • Oshawa Culture Counts Emerging Artist
  • Innovation and Creation Champion Award

Selected recipients are acknowledged at a City Council meeting in the spring.

Work Sample Submission Criteria

  • Visual, Fine Craft, Multimedia: Include up to five images. All images must be in JPEG format, no larger than 2 MB each. Please include an image list containing the title, dimensions, and date of the artwork.
  • Music – performances, technical, or production (all genres): Include up to two songs as a web link to YouTube videos, Soundcloud files, etc.; if an album is submitted, please note two songs you would like the Jury to listen to and for all include appropriate production credits, such as the publisher and performance dates.
  • Theatre, Performance, Dance: Include five minutes of a recent work via web link. Please cue media to the starting time, and include appropriate production credits such as the director, writer, and performance dates.
  • Writing: Include up to two samples of current work (Word/PDF), no more than ten pages. Please include appropriate production credits, such as the date, publisher, and editor. Please note any passages you would like the Jury to read.
  • For an organization or collective, please provide work samples that support the nomination. This could be a web link to the website with notes on the areas you would like the Jury to focus on or PDF/Word files of brochures or other marketing materials explaining the organization's impact.

Eligibility

  • Applicants and nominees must be current or former residents of the City of Oshawa, work in the City of Oshawa, or collaborate with an Oshawa-based organization
  • An applicant or nominee may be the recipient of only one award per year
  • City of Oshawa staff are not eligible for an award but may nominate individuals
  • An individual cannot be nominated posthumously

Nomination Form

The Culture Counts Award recipients for 2023 have been announced. Nominations for the 2024 Culture Counts Awards will open in January 2024.

Review Process

Nominations for the Culture Counts Awards will be peer-reviewed and selected by a subcommittee of the Cultural Leadership Council.

For each category noted above, City staff will develop an evaluation matrix and guideline for assessing the recipient of the awards.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their artistic merit, critical acknowledgement of the work/ initiative, evidence of recognition by the local community, and describe their career path/ organizational background and association to the arts discipline/ initiative.

Oshawa Culture Counts Award: Professional Artist

This award recognizes an established artist of any arts discipline (including performing, visual, cinematic, design, architecture and literary arts) who has demonstrated creativity, originality, professional maturity and artistic leadership in the community.

The following criteria will be used to select the award recipient:

  • Artistic merit / interest
  • Critical acknowledgments of the artist's work (e.g. exhibition/performance opportunities, publications, reviews, articles, etc.)
  • Recognition by local arts community

2023 Recipient

Susan Campbell

Susan Campbell is an Oshawa-based interdisciplinary artist. She obtained a Masters of Fine Arts in Art, Media and Design from OCAD University after extensive studies in design and digital media in Ireland. Susan now teaches art and design at OCAD University and at Durham College.

Susan’s artwork investigates signs and patterns of urban intensification as played out on development sites, parking lots and sidewalks. Her art frequently explores physical mapping practices as a means to interpret and reflect on the design dynamics found within the urban landscape, confronting issues brought about by the intensification of urban development.

She has exhibited across Canada and internationally, including at the Art Gallery of Mississauga, Cambridge Galleries and the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. Susan has received numerous grants, including from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council.

Previous Recipients

  • Margaret Rodgers (2022)
  • Marissa Sweet (2021)
  • Dani Crosby (2020)
  • Grant Cole (2019)
  • Ron Lambert (2018)

Oshawa Culture Counts Award: Emerging Artist

This award recognizes an artist in the early stages of their career in any arts discipline (including performing, visual, cinematic, design, architecture and literary arts) who is skilled and determined to advance their artistic capabilities. This individual understands the value of their gift within the community, and leverages these skills to inspire and enrich the lives of fellow citizens.

The individual must be between 12 to 30 years or have begun their artistic practice within the past five years.

The following criteria will be used to select the award recipient:

  • Artistic merit / interest
  • Evidence of commitment to artistic practice
  • Career path in an artistic discipline
  • Critical acknowledgments of the artist's work (i.e., exhibition/performance opportunities, publications, reviews, articles, etc.) (see above comment)
  • Recognition by the local arts community

2023 Recipient

Diana Nadia Lawryshyn

Diana Nadia Lawryshyn is a Ukrainian-Canadian multi-disciplinary artist from Oshawa. Diana is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, blending traditional and modern technological methods. Her music uses thoughtful arrangement of sound to tell a story full of imagery. Diana attended Queen’s University, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in music, education and visual art. Upon graduation she was awarded the Maurice Dubin Prize in Composition. She is continuing her studies of the arts at the University of Toronto.

Her visual artwork focuses on cultural iconography, visual cryptography and magnifying perceptions of the ordinary. Diana produces a unique style of visual art by utilizing many techniques including surrealism, abstraction and texture. Her works have been featured in exhibitions at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Whitby’s Station Gallery and Kingston’s Storefront Gallery.

Diana is an active volunteer with the Ukrainian-Canadian community in Oshawa. She has displayed her artwork at various community events, donated prints to raise money for Ukraine, and volunteered her time as piano accompanist for concerts performed by students at the Ivan Franko Ukrainian School of Oshawa, as well as led art and music workshops.

Previous Recipients

  • Bolu Adefemi (2022)
  • Leequette Santiago (2021)
  • Meaghan Kehoe (2020)
  • Joaquin Manay (2019)
  • Crown Lands (Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau) (2018)

Innovation and Creation Champion

This award honours an individual, collective and/or organization in the creative and cultural industries who has created or enhanced an event, product, program or partnership in the past year. In addition, the award recognizes work that is unique, transformative, and positive in its impact on arts, culture, and heritage in Oshawa.

The following criteria will be used to select the award recipient:

  • The level of creativity and innovation of the event, product, program or partnership
  • The community impact of the event, product, program or partnership
  • Notable achievements relevant to event, product, program or partnership

2023 Recipient

Anushka and Arushi Bhattacharjee

Anushka Bhattacharjee, 10 years old, and Arushi Bhattacharjee, seven years old are published authors from Oshawa. Anushka’s love of reading at a very early age led to her becoming a young author. When she was unable to borrow books from the library during the pandemic she decided to write her own story so she would be able to read it. Anushka published her first book, “My Magic Mirror” at eight years old and won the Readers’ Favorite Gold Award.

Inspired by her sister, Arushi started writing her own book when she was five years old. Her book, “T-Rex Trouble!!!” is a first place Firebird Book Award winner.

The Bhattacharjee sisters hope to inspire many young readers to become authors. They visit local schools, including Alexander Graham Bell P.S., Claremont P.S., Stephen G. Saywell P.S., and more. They also have one-on-one sessions with other children to help them in their writing process. Anushka and Arushi give back to their community and donate part of their proceeds to charitable organizations like Durham Children’s Aid Association.

Previous Recipients

  • Oshawa Museum (2022)
  • Bawaajigewin (2021)
  • Oshawa Public Libraries (2020)
  • Laura Suchan (2019)
  • Mary Krohnert and the LivingRoom Community Art Studio (2018)
Parks, Recreation and Culture
  • Arts and Culture
    • Art and Exhibitions
      • Art and Exhibitions
      • Artist Calls
      • Arts and Culture in the Hall
      • TeachingCity
    • Arts Events and Activities
      • Arts Events and Activities
      • Creative Classes
      • Culture Days
      • Culture Map
      • Culture Summit
      • Doors Open
      • Event Calendar
      • Urban Art Festival
    • Culture Counts
      • Culture Counts
      • Arts, Culture and Heritage Plan
      • Cultural Leadership Council
      • Public Art Policy and Master Plan
      • Public Art Task Force
    • Funding and Support
      • Funding and Support
      • Arts, Culture and Heritage Award Program
      • Arts, Culture, and Heritage Funding
    • Public Art
      • Public Art
      • Urban Art Park
      • Public Artworks
    • Festivals and Events
  • View Full Parks, Recreation and Culture Menu
    • Parks, Recreation and Culture
    • Community Clubs, Groups and Organizations
    • Events Calendar
    • Festivals and Events
      • City Events
        • 100th Anniversary
          • Community Centennial Committee
        • Bright and Merry Market
        • Canada Day
        • Community Clean Up
        • Culture Days
        • Doors Open Oshawa
        • Events in the Park
        • June is Recreation and Parks Month
        • Kars on King
        • National Youth and Youth Art Week
        • Oshawa Celebrates
        • Peony Festival
        • Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony
        • Share Your Holiday Spirit
      • Events Calendar
      • Host an Event
      • Volunteering
    • History and Heritage
      • Doors Open Oshawa
      • Heritage Properties
        • Alterations and Demolition
        • Designated Properties
        • Heritage Property Tax Reduction
        • Plaque Program
      • History of Oshawa
      • Museums
      • Windfields Farm
    • Libraries
    • Parks, Trails and Open Spaces
      • Commemorative Trees and Benches
      • Gardens
        • Gardens
        • Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens
        • Pollinator Garden and Meadow
      • Off-leash Dog Parks
      • Park and Gate Access Permits
      • Park Directory
      • Plants to Avoid
      • Parks Planning and Development
        • Park Design Standards
      • Splash Pads and Beaches
      • Sports Fields and Courts
      • Trails
      • Trees
    • Recreation
      • activeOshawa Online Registration
      • Assistance and Support
        • activeOshawa Online Help
        • Assistance and Support
        • Canadian Tire Jumpstart
        • Durham Region Social Services
        • Inclusion Services
        • Oshawa residents 65 years and older
        • Recreation Access Membership Program (RAMP)
        • Recreation Fee Assistance Program
        • Respect Check
        • Their Opportunity
      • Facilities and Rentals
        • Facilities and Rentals
        • Arena Rentals
        • Ball Diamond Rentals
        • Birthday Party Packages
        • Civic Fieldhouse Rentals
        • Civic Recreation Complex Fields Rentals
        • Court Rentals
        • Meeting Room Rentals
        • Service Disruptions
        • Sport Field Rentals
        • Tracks Indoor and Outdoor
      • Memberships and Admissions
      • News and Updates
        • News and Updates
        • Recreation News
        • Service Disruptions
      • Recreation Programs and Services
        • Recreation Programs and Services
        • activeOshawa Registered Programs
          • activeOshawa Guide Advertising
          • activeOshawa Online Help
        • Creative Classes
        • Hockey and Skating
          • Adult Hockey League
          • Leisure Skating
          • Outdoor Skating
        • Fitness Centres and Programs
          • Fitness Centre
          • Fitness Classes
          • Memberships and Admissions
          • Personal Training
          • Teen and Youth Fitness Programs
          • Tracks Indoor and Outdoor
        • March Break and Holiday Camps
        • Register for a Program
        • Sports
          • Drop-In Sports
          • Indoor Soccer League
          • Skateboarding
        • Summer Camps
          • Counsellor and Leader In Training Programs
          • Playground Program
        • Swimming
          • Lakeview Park Beach
          • Leisure Swimming
          • Lifeguarding and Swim Instruction
          • Splash Pads
          • Swimming Lessons
        • Youth Programs
          • Leisure Rooms
          • Teen and Youth Fitness Programs
          • Youth Council
      • Sponsorship and Advertising
    • Visiting Oshawa
      • Visiting Oshawa
      • Eat and Drink
      • Plan Your Stay
      • Things to Do
    • Volunteering
    • Waterfront
      • Waterfront
      • Group Picnics
      • Lakeview Park Beach

Contact Us

© 2022 City of Oshawa

Service Oshawa
1st Floor, West Wing, City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7

Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: [email protected]

  • Resources

    • Accessibility
    • Contact Us
    • Freedom of Information
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Privacy & Terms of Use
    • Sitemap
    • Website Feedback
  • Open new window to view our Facebook page
  • Open new window to view our Twitter page
  • Open new window to view our Instagram page
  • Open new window to view our Youtube page
  • Open new window to view our LinkedIn page

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.