Awards will be presented at the Cape Breton University's Boardmore Playhouse on Oct. 24
Cape Breton University, together with the Cape Breton Partnership, announced the final nominees for the 2026 Cape Breton Creative Arts Awards.
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The 2026 Cape Breton Creative Arts Awards will be presented at the Boardmore Playhouse on Oct. 24, beginning at 7 p.m. and will recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations to the creative arts community across Cape Breton, while also fostering new opportunities for learning, networking and creative collaboration.
Given to an individual(s) whose legacy in the creative arts has developed connections to academia and/or the larger community. The recipient has produced a considerable body of work in the creative arts or in support of the same for their community. A natural leader with a proven commitment to the preservation of higher learning, the Father Donald Campbell Founder Award recognizes the work of accomplished individuals possessing foresight, dedication and perseverance in collaborating with diverse stakeholders to maintain the creative arts in our community.
- Gary Walsh and Jeanette MacDonald (Cabot Trail Writers Festival)
- Ash Young and Nick Beaton (Cape Breton Comedy Festival)
- Dr. Glenn Graham (musician, educator)
Given to an individual(s) or group who have initiated creative arts projects/programming in the community. Exemplifying a deep commitment to student engagement in the arts, this award winner has contributed significantly to the development of novel creative arts opportunities that reach a wide, engaged audience. Builders produce new and exciting creative arts deliverables that explore innovation in method, application and content.
- Denika Michelle – Film
- Heather Kerr – Theatre
- Ken Woroner – Unama’ki/Cape Breton Film Festival
- Port Morien Wildlife Association
Given to an individual(s) or group who have promoted and demonstrated the importance of creative arts as an educational tool. This award recognizes effective learning-centred creative arts initiatives that elevate and integrate the arts across diverse cultures and contexts. Curricula development, programming design, innovation in creative arts teaching modalities to produce effective teaching and learning tools as well as achievement in the application of teaching and learning outcomes, will be considered.
- Andrea Dennis (beadwork artist)
- Chinese Dragon Cultural Heritage Association
- Angelo Spinazzola (The First Nations Songwriting Sessions)
- Robyn Martelly (artist and children’s author)
Given to an individual under 19 years of age who is actively participating in an arts organization/group/project. Individuals pursuing post-secondary study in the fine arts, or youth who are developing creative projects sponsored or produced by their community, are eligible for consideration. Youth program leaders/teachers may nominate suitable candidates to the nomination committee for consideration.
Nominees
- Amy Smith (Riverview High School)
- Cody Young (Memorial High School)
- Madison Parnel (Cape Breton University)
- Zachary MacKeigan (Memorial High School)
Given to an individual(s) or group who have consistently offered their time and expertise to advance a creative arts organization/group/project. Awarded to an active member of a society or group who has donated a significant amount of their time and talent to creative arts projects produced in their community. All aspects of creative contribution may be considered, but the effort must be volunteer-based and leave an enduring impact on the creative arts community.
- Festival Volunteer Drive’ers Association
- Natasha Burke Morash (Foggy View Players)
Given to an individual or group who has impactfully promoted the creative arts on the CBU campus. This award may be conferred upon a group or individual, past or present, for a project(s) which has advanced the awareness of the value of creative arts through excellence in program design, commitment to cultural awareness and diversity, and capacity to actively involve students in the creative arts at CBU.
- Om Ware
- Sasha Young
- Nova Nguyen
- Breagh Kelly
The winners will be announced during the gala. Tickets are available at cbu.universitytickets.com.
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