3 local artists and an arts organization among winners at Mayor's Arts Awards

The recipients were honoured for their outstanding contributions to Kingston's arts and culture scene.

Artistic excellence was being recognized at the 2025 Mayor's Arts Awards.

A ceremony was held at City Hall Monday night.

There were four recipients that were honoured for their outstanding contributions to Kingston's arts and culture scene.

Jesse MacMillan, Aaron Forsyth, and Camille Spencer each received the Creator Award while the Arts Champion Award went to Le Centre culturel Frontenac.

MacMillan is the Technical Director of the Festival of Live Digital Arts, the Arts Stage Technician at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, a member of PeerLess Productions, and a versatile performer in theatre and film. He  has made a profound impact on Kingston’s performing arts sector.

Forsyth (known creatively as EronOne) is a visual artist specializing in vibrant murals and custom design work. He has been a driving force behind Kingston’s vibrant street art culture, working to uplift fellow artists and educate youth, and build connections with local businesses and institutions through collaborations and commissioning projects.

Spencer is a dancer, choreographer, community builder and educator. She is a founding member and now 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.

Le Centre culturel Frontenac is Kingston's premier Francophone cultural hub, dedicated to celebrating and promoting Francophone arts and culture through theatre, music, dance and more through quality programming and creative leadership.

Mayor Bryan Paterson says the awards are more than just a recognition, they are a celebration of the people who empower our arts sector and ensure its growth for generations to come.

There were a total of 54 nominations. Winners were chosen through a selection process coordinated by the Kingston Arts Council and reviewed by a subcommittee of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee.

Story by Ken Hashizume