First annual · Sun 27 June 2027
An annual event that celebrates the arts in Algoma awarding bursaries to high school students and recognizing the many volunteers, workers, leaders, and mentors in the arts community.
Our mission is to unite and inspire the arts community in the Algoma region by supporting the growth of our youth through financial awards while honouring the volunteers, mentors, and leaders who build the foundation for their success.
About the show
The Arias — the Algoma Rotary Integrated Arts Awards Show — is an annual live show that awards bursaries to high school students active in the arts across the Algoma region, and presents community awards to the volunteers, workers, leaders, and mentors who support the continuing growth of the arts in our community.
The first Arias will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2027 at the Sault Community Theatre Centre. The Rotary Club of Sault Ste Marie will be awarding bursaries to high school students who are active in the arts in the Algoma region. A student will be selected from each high school, and one student will be awarded a $2,000 bursary to further their studies in the arts.
The show is also a showcase. Nominees will be performing scenes and songs from the various shows, plays and musicals that are nominated for community awards.
While the first year focuses on theatre, future editions of the Arias will include other arts such as music, dance, visual art, and more.
Bursaries
The Rotary Club of Sault Ste Marie supports our youth in athletics via the Rotary Sports Awards and in STEM via the Science Fair. Given the declining arts programs in our schools, the club felt we could further support the youth in our community by awarding bursaries to develop their career in the arts.
One per high school
$1,000
Each high school in the Algoma region is granted a $1,000 bursary for a student involved in the arts at their school or in the community. The arts teachers at each school choose their recipient.
How it’s awarded
Selected by arts teachers at each high school.
One student in Algoma
$2,000
One $2,000 bursary is awarded each year to a student involved in the arts at their high school or in the community, who intends to keep pursuing the arts after high school.
How it’s awarded
By nomination. Self-nomination is accepted.
Any student in the Algoma region can be nominated for the $2,000 bursary. Self-nomination is accepted.
Community awards
Nobody makes art alone. Behind every young artist is a village of teachers, mentors, directors, and volunteers who gave their time to get them there. The community awards are how we recognize their contributions and efforts to keep the arts thriving.
For our first year, we’re focusing on the theatre community here in Algoma. Arias members can nominate and vote for people in the following categories:
2 awarded
2 awarded
2 awarded
Recognizes someone with a strong connection to Sault Ste. Marie who has achieved professional success in an artistic field.
Chosen by the panel
The judging panel names its own three nominees and selects the winner. It is the one award members don’t nominate or vote for.
Nominating and voting are open to all Arias members, and members are what make the whole thing work. Nominations will open at the beginning of May 2027.
Nominations open at the beginning of May 2027. Any Arias member can put forward a name in any category.
Once nominations close, voting opens to the membership.
When voting closes, the top names in each category become that category's official nominees, and we announce them.
A judging panel appointed by the awards committee evaluates every nominee and selects the winner in each category.
Nobody finds out early. Winners are revealed on stage at the Arias on Sunday, June 27, 2027.
Membership
Anyone 18 or older living in the Algoma region can become an Arias member. Membership is what gives you a say in the community awards — you nominate, and you vote.
Put forward the people and productions you think deserve an award, in any category.
Help decide which nominees make the official shortlist.
Nominee announcements, deadlines, and show news land in your inbox before anywhere else.
Questions about membership? Email info@thearias.ca.
Supporting local arts
The Rotary Club of Sault Ste Marie has committed to purchasing advertising space in programs for local theatre productions this season.
If your company is printing a program for an upcoming production, get in touch and we’ll purchase an ad. We’ll also be reaching out to local theatre groups directly.
Email us about program ads
Sponsorship
We are actively seeking sponsors to help us produce the awards show. More information about how you can support the Arias will be available soon.