Buffys Celebrate a Decade of Excellence in Wood Buffalo Arts
FORT MCMURRAY, AB — Nominations are open for the 2025 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards, locally known as “The Buffys.” This year marks the tenth anniversary of the awards with a celebration to take place on October 18, 2025, at the Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre. The theme for this year’s gala is, “Ten Years of Midnight at the Black & White Ball,” inspired by Truman Capote’s legendary 1966 event.
The Buffys honour artists, groups, and arts organizations for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the vibrant arts community in Wood Buffalo. Over the past decade, the event has recognized the vital role the arts play in fostering creativity, resilience, and connection within the region.
“Over the past decade, our region has experienced more than its fair share of hardships. Time and again, the community has turned to the arts for respite, entertainment, and connection,” said Liana Wheeldon, Executive Director of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. “The Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards celebrates the meaningful contribution of the arts in our region, giving our artists, educators, and administrators the opportunity to be recognized at home.”
Will Collins, Board Chair of Arts Council Wood Buffalo, added, “Ten years celebrating the incredible arts ecosystem has provided the region with inspiration, creativity, and kinship. It’s an honour to deliver the Buffys each year and learn about the accomplishments of our local talent.”
This year, the Buffys will present awards in 15 categories: Arts Administration, Arts Education, Craft, Creative Collaboration, Dance, Indigenous Artist, Ken Flaherty Music, Literary Arts, Media Arts, Performing Arts, Rising Star, Visual Arts, Arts Champion, Lifetime Achievement, and Youth Leader in the Arts.
Nominations can be submitted through an online submission form, with nominees encouraged to provide detailed information about their creative practice. Artists are also invited to self-nominate. The deadline for submissions is June 16, 2025, at noon. Applications for direct adjudication must be completed by July 2, 2025, at noon.
Award recipients will be chosen by a panel of experts from across Canada and announced live at the gala. For more information on the nomination process, award categories, and sponsorship opportunities, visit artscouncilwb.ca/buffys.
The Buffys have become a cornerstone of the Wood Buffalo cultural scene, celebrating a decade of achievements and the impact of arts on the community.