The Art of Acknowledgment

Current Issue
Written By Sidney Ulakovic

The winners of the 2025 City of Thunder Bay Arts & Heritage Awards

City of Thunder Bay’s Arts & Heritage Awards Return

Story by Sidney Ulakovic, Photos by Chad Kirvan

Following a six-year hiatus, the City of Thunder Bay Arts & Heritage Awards made their return last night onstage at Magnus Theatre, where nominees and the public were invited to honour the artistic talent, dedication, and achievements across artistic disciplines. The evening, however, was not just a celebration of the accomplishments of those nominated but a showcase of the varied artistic talent in the community.  

Art in Motion dance troupe performs We Have it All to open the awards ceremony

Attendees were welcomed with a performance by local jazz act Mood Indigo in the studio theatre. This was followed by mainstage performances by Art in Motion dance troupe, who opened the evening with an inspiring performance entitled We Have It All, which set a tone of anticipation for the ceremony ahead. The troupe returned to the stage later in the evening for a second number, called Sirens. Another mid-ceremony performance was given by singer-songwriter Cassidy Houston, who delivered a moving rendition of her yet-to-be-released song, “Old Woman Bay.” Violinist and composer Natalia Arroyo performed throughout the ceremony, eventually taking the spotlight as she closed the ceremony with a lively finale inspired by her Mexican heritage. 

Cassidy Houston performs “Old Woman Bay” with backup vocals from Jamie Sky and Carter Fontaine on the keyboard

Acclaimed film producer, director, and editor Kelly Saxberg was the recipient of a prestigious Lifetime or Professional Achievement in Arts, Heritage or Culture Award. Saxberg has worked on over 100 films—most recently A Tale of Two Qallunaat, a documentary exploring the work and lives of Thunder Bay’s Sheila Burnford and Susan Ross. Aside from her film work, Saxberg is the founder of the Vox Popular Media Arts Festival (originally The Bay Street Film Festival) and mentor to a wealth of emerging filmmakers in Thunder Bay—creating spaces where the art of film can be acknowledged in a professional capacity locally and paving the way for filmmakers to prosper in the region.

Filmmaker Kelly Saxberg, recipient of the Lifetime or Professional Achievement in Arts, Heritage or Culture Award

This year’s winners in all categories include: 

  • Small Town Bad, winners of the Music Award 

  • Ivan Love, winner of the Stage Performance Award 

  • The Pillar Project, winner of the Visuals Arts & Fine Craft Award 

  • Marion Agnew, winner of the Literature Award 

  • Storytime with Thunder Bay Drag Queens, winner of the Cultural or Heritage Festival or Event Award 

  • Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre, winner of the Cultural or Heritage Organization Award 

  • Sue Paskoski, winner of the Achievement, Cultural and/or Heritage Volunteer Award 

  • Entershine Bookshop, winner of the Cultural or Heritage Professional Award 

  • Kelly Saxberg, winner of the Lifetime or Professional Achievement in Arts, Heritage or Culture Award 

Sidney Ulakovic
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