2025 Business / Arts Awards Celebration
2025 Business / Arts Awards Celebration
Celebrating the Power of Partnership
On Monday, October 6th, over 330 leaders, luminaries and cultural champions from across Canada gathered for the 2025 Business / Arts Awards Celebration, at the Royal Ontario Museum.
The ROM set the stage for a memorable evening, featuring a dynamic performance by Kellylee Evans, and a Shakespearean revue, curated by the Stratford Festival. At the heart of the celebration were the award recipients—visionary individuals and organizations driving innovation and artistic growth in Canada.
The 2025 Business / Arts Awards Celebration was a standout affair, made possible by enthusiasm and participation of all attendees. We extend heartfelt thank you to our partners, donors and table hosts. Your support makes this celebration a success year after year.
Photos by Philip Maglieri and Henry Chan
Kellylee Evans and Aubrey Reeves outfitted by Simons, 2025 Fashion Partner
Nominations for the 2026 Business / Arts Awards are Now Open!
Do you know a passionate volunteer, dedicated donor, or creative partnership worth celebrating? We invite you to nominate them for a Business / Arts Award by Monday, December 15, 2025, at businessandarts.org/nominate.
2025 Business / Arts Award Recipients:
Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney
Recipients of the Edmund C. Bovey Award for their remarkable legacy of philanthropic leadership and volunteerism in support of the arts in Canada.
Christopher Deacon, President & CEO, National Arts Centre
Recipient of the Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award for his extraordinary 44-year career that has amplified Canadian voices, embraced bold artistic work, engaged with new audiences, and reflected the diversity, ambition and creativity of Canada.
Umair Jaffar, CEO, Small World Music
Recipient of the Arnold Edinborough Award for his community-driven leadership and efforts to expand access and opportunity in the arts.
Nicola Wealth
Recipient of the Corporate Champion of the Arts Award for its commitment to supporting Canadian arts and culture.
QuadReal Property Group and Arts Etobicoke
Recipients of the Community Impact Award Through the creation of Cloverdale Common, a vibrant new gathering space in Cloverdale Mall, that supports artists, engages seniors and youth, and strengthens social bonds in Etobicoke.
Congratulations to all of this year‘s recipients!
Thank you to our partners, table hosts and donors!
Presenting Partner
Fashion Partner
Edmund C. Bovey Award Partner
Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award Partner
Arnold Edinborough Award Partner
2025 Business / Arts Awards Table Hosts
2025 Business / Arts Awards Donors
