The 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards were presented at Kingston City Hall during the annual ceremony held last night, followed by a community reception. The event marked the announcement and recognition of three artists and one cultural organization whose work has contributed to Kingston’s arts and culture sector. The Mayor’s Arts Awards are presented each year to recognize artists and arts champions for their contributions to Kingston’s arts and culture scene.
“Kingston thrives because of the passion and vision of its artists and cultural leaders, and the Mayor’s Arts Awards are our way of saying thank you for making our city a place where creativity flourishes,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “These awards are more than recognition; they are a celebration of the people who empower our arts sector and ensure its growth for generations to come.”
Creator Award recipient Jesse MacMillan was recognized for his work as Technical Director of the Festival of Live Digital Arts, as Arts Stage Technician at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, as a member of PeerLess Productions, and as a performer in theatre and film. His work was cited as having an impact on Kingston’s performing arts sector.
Creator Award recipient Aaron Forsyth, known as EronOne, was recognized for his work as a visual artist specializing in murals and custom design projects. His practice includes collaborations with local businesses and institutions, efforts to support fellow artists, and work to educate youth and develop Kingston’s street art culture.
Creator Award recipient Camille Spencer was recognized for her work as a dancer, choreographer, community builder and educator. She is a founding member and Co-Director of the Ground UP Dance Festival, a collaborator at H’art Centre, a member of Movement Market Collective, and a teacher at the Kingston School of Dance.
The Arts Champion Award was presented to Le Centre culturel Frontenac, described as Kingston’s premier Francophone cultural hub. The organization promotes Francophone arts and culture through theatre, music and dance, and develops programming intended to support a visible and active Francophone community in Kingston and surrounding areas.
The awards will continue to form part of the city’s annual recognition of work in the arts sector.
Photo source: City of Kingston
(L-R) Jesse MacMillan, Samia Bestandji (Executive Director, Le Centre Culturel Frontenac), Mayor Bryan Paterson, Aaron Forsyth, Camille Spencer. Photo Credit: Liz Cooper
