Arts and Culture Under the Lights, the City of Thunder Bay’s Culture Days Provincial Festival Hub event, has been recognized in the 2025 Ontario Culture Days Spotlight Awards’ as runner-up for the Warren Garrett Inclusive Programming category.  This award honours arts initiatives that break down barriers and promote accessibility and equity.

Ontario Culture Days is a province-wide festival celebrating arts, culture, and heritage, featuring thousands of free community events each year.  Arts and Culture Under the Lights invited residents to participate in creative and cultural experiences, including hands-on workshops, interactive performances, and activities designed for all ages and abilities, demonstrating the city’s commitment to fostering an accessible and welcoming arts environment. Selected from hundreds of programs across Ontario, this recognition of Thunder Bay’s event highlights the City’s leadership in inclusive, community-driven arts programming.

“Receiving recognition from Ontario Culture Days is a testament to Thunder Bay’s vibrant arts community and our dedication to creating programming that is welcoming and accessible to all,” said Caitlyn McMillan, Cultural Development & Public Art Coordinator. “This acknowledgment inspires us to continue building inclusive cultural experiences for our residents and visitors.”

The annual Ontario Culture Days festival ran from September 19 to October 12, 2025, featuring over 2,000 free events across Ontario, including 16 official Provincial Festival Hubs and eight Creatives in Residence. The Spotlight Awards honour artists and organizers whose work creates engaging, inclusive, and impactful experiences for communities across Ontario.

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Contact: Caitlyn McMillan, Cultural Development and Public Art Coordinator 807-625-2357 caitlyn.mcmillan@thunderbay.ca