MISSISSAUGA,ON - The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) announces it will extend the deadline for MARTY Award nominations until March 16, 2012. Due to the positive response from artists, MAC has decided to extend the deadline to offer more opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and be recognized by the community.

Now into its 18th year, the MARTY Awards celebrate the artistic accomplishments of established artists while encouraging and supporting rising artistic talent. Past MARTY Award recipients include internationally the celebrated singer/songwriter David Leask, writer Kathy Buckworth, Jazz legend Oscar Peterson, rock bands illScarlett and Billy Talent and many more!

MARTY AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Literary Arts
• Media Arts
• Performing Arts
• Performing Arts Groups
• Visual Arts

Each category will honour an emerging artist and an established artist. Winners will receive a cash prize, press coverage and recognition at the MARTYS, the arts award ceremony. Every year the MARTYS stands as the pinnacle arts event in Mississauga complete with extensive media coverage and a red carpet kick-off. This year's MARTY Award celebration will be held on May 31, 2012 at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

SPECIAL MARTY AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award
• People's Choice Award
• Creative Community Award

MAC is delighted to announce the second year of the Creative Community Award. Mississauga Arts Council Executive Director Linda Thomas explains, "It's an award open to any other form of artistic expression including fibre arts, spinning and weaving, jewelry, fashion arts etc. We are encouraging artists in the community to share their work and submit an application."

The council also invites the community to nominate deserving individuals for the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award. These special Awards are presented to individuals who have nurtured the development of the arts in the City of Mississauga.

Lastly, the People's Choice Award will continue in 2012. Once all of the nominations for the awards have been collected, the general public will be invited to vote for their favourite artist in the running through the Mississauga Art Council's website.

So don't hesitate! Nominate yourself or a deserving artist today! Nomination forms are available at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com. Please call 905-615-4278 for additional information. Nomination packages may be mailed, emailed, hand delivered or sent by courier to the Mississauga Arts Council office located at 300 City Centre Dr. Suite 1055, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C9. Incomplete nomination packages will not be accepted.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: March 16, 2012 at 4p.m.

ARTS AWARDS SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON PHENOMENAL ARTISTS

MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) is thrilled to announce it is now accepting nominations for the 2012 MARTYS Award. Talented artists are encouraged to submit nominations for the chance to win a MARTYS Award and be recognized by the community. Now into its 18th year, the MARTYS Award celebrate the artistic accomplishments of established artists while encouraging and supporting rising artistic talent. Past MARTYS Award recipients include internationally celebrated rock bands illScarlett and Billy Talent; Jazz legend, Oscar Peterson; sci-fi writer, Robert J. Sawyer; filmmaker Richie Mehta, and rocker Rik Emmett.

MARTYS AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Literary Arts
• Media Arts
• Performing Arts
• Performing Arts Groups
• Visual Arts

Each category will honour an emerging artist and an established artist. Winners will receive a cash prize, press coverage and recognition at the MARTYS, the Arts Award ceremony. Every year the MARTYS stands as the pinnacle arts event in Mississauga, complete with extensive media coverage and a red carpet kick-off. This year's MARTYS Award celebration will be held on Thursday May 31st, 2012 at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

SPECIAL MARTYS AWARD CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award
• People's Choice Award
• Creative Community Award

MAC is delighted to include their Creative Community Award, second year in the running. Mississauga Arts Council Executive Director, Linda Thomas explains, "We are opening the doors to other art forms that have not been traditionally recognized. It's an Award open to any other form of artistic expression including fibre arts, spinning and weaving, jewelery, fashion arts etc. We are encouraging artists in the community to share their work and submit an application."

The council also invites the community to nominate deserving individuals for the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Laurie Pallett Patron of the Arts Award. These special Awards are presented to individuals who have nurtured the development of the arts in the City of Mississauga.

Lastly, the People's Choice Award will continue in 2012. Once all of the nominations for the Awards have been collected, the general public will be invited to vote for their favourite artist in the running through the Mississauga Arts Council's website.

So don't hesitate! Nominate yourself or a deserving artist today! Nomination forms are available at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com. Please call 905-615-4278 for additional information. Nomination packages may be mailed, hand delivered or sent by courier to the Mississauga Arts Council office located at 300 City Centre Dr. Suite 1055, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C9. Emailed, faxed or incomplete nomination packages will not be accepted.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: March 9, 2012 at 4p.m.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Mississauga's top rising star artists have assembled to create the Limelight Association of Young Artists. As part of the Mississauga Arts Council, Limelight's mission is to connect aspiring young artists and provide them with the support, recognition and opportunities required for them to thrive.

All are welcome to the Official Launch Party and Open Mic to be held on January 27, 2012 at the Maja Prentice Theatre located at 3650 Dixie Rd. in Mississauga. The event will begin at 7 p.m. with an introduction by MARTY award-winning filmmaker and chair of Limelight, Jeffrey W. Pike. Arts lovers are welcome to attend the free event and enjoy a diverse array of performances including spoken-word, live music, dance, media and visual art. The event will be hosted by members of the Limelight Association of Young Artists including Hip-Hop artist Nehemiah Flow and spoken word poet/actor/graphic designer Jay T. Presented by the Mississauga Arts Council in partnership with the Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre, the event promises to be an exciting event showcasing the talents of Mississauga's culturally rich and diverse arts community.

The launch of Limelight will also be coupled with a clothing drive. Used sweaters, toques, gloves and other winter clothing are welcomed for donation. Donations will be handed out to the less fortunate to help them stay warm this winter. All donations must be pre-washed and will be accepted at the Limelight Official Launch Party and Open Mic.

2012 promises to be a big year for the Limelight Association of Young Artists. After receiving funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2011 for its vision to reignite, inspire and build its youth program and youth contingent of the council, MAC is thrilled to offer a slew of creative programs tailored to youth. The funding has enabled MAC to offer a wide range of opportunities to youth in Mississauga to explore and develop their artistic creativity. In the upcoming months Limelight will introduce new programs including the Mississauga Youth Writers Guild, traveling Open Mic Nights, workshops, a mentorship and volunteer program and more! Limelight will also work together with neighbouring organizations to present the Mississauga Future Star Competition and Matlon's Got Talent.

Chairman Jeffrey W. Pike is very optimistic about Limelight committee's initiatives for 2012. "It's an exciting time for Mississauga. As the city grows rapidly, so does out arts community. Mississauga is a melting pot of international talent, each with its own flavor. It's important that our youth artists have places to practice their craft and venues to showcase their talents. That's why our committee is so important. We are artists helping artists."

Limelight Association of Young Artists is open to individuals under the age of 30. Artists may join by becoming a member of the Mississauga Arts Council for an annual fee of $10. Please call the Mississauga Arts Council at 905-615-4278 or visit www.mississaugaartscouncil.com for further details.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - In only three days, the arts community will gather to celebrate the hottest evening for the arts at MAC's ARTBEATS Gala. Tickets are going fast for the event taking place at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 14^th at the Red Rose Convention Centre, located at 1233 Derry Road, East. An incredible evening fusing arts of all disciplines, ARTBEATS will feature a succulent variety of cuisine, a live and silent auction and incredible performances by tenor Michael Ciufo, opera-pop group Naria and CanAfric Theatre. Tickets are $125/individual or $200/couple and can be purchased by calling 905-615-4278. All proceeds from MAC's ARTBEATS fundraiser will help to raise funds to support Mississauga's growing arts community.

The Mississauga Arts Council is excited to showcase this year's performers. ARTBEATS will feature Canadian tenor Michael Ciufo who will dazzle the audience as he performs songs from his new album "Momento." Known for his stage presence, charisma, and gorgeous, classically trained voice, Michael is one of Mississauga's most promising talents. ARTBEATS will also feature a performance by Opera Pop girl group Naria featuring singers Katya, Annaliese, Michelle and Anna; four brilliant voices whose vocal prowess and original choreographed compositions feature Opera, Pop, Techno and World music with classical high notes. Lastly, the exotic rhythm, beats and original choreography of Afro-Canadian group CanAfric Theatre will close the show with a bang (literally!).

Art collectors will have a prime opportunity to acquire priceless pieces at the event. ARTBEATS will spotlight a diverse collection of original artworks and unique items at its live and silent auctions. There will be original works by respected artists Sonja Hidas, Peter Mulcair, Robin Hollingdrake, Asma Arshad Mahmood, Tina Newlove and many more! Other luxurious silent auction items include unique South Asian fashions, a wine tasting with a professional sommelier, tickets to live theatre across the City of Mississauga and so much more!

If you are unable to attend the event, please consider donating to the Mississauga Arts Council. Call the office at 905-615-4278 to donate. Visit us online at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com.

More on the Mississauga Arts Council: The Mississauga Arts Council, established in 1981 by City Resolution, is a not-for-profit membership based registered charity governed by a board of directors. MAC supports and promotes the activities of over 180 arts organizations and over 600 individual artists, representing more than 24,000 people. Please visit www.mississaugaartscouncil.com for additional information.

The City of Mississauga is now accepting applications from community-based groups and organizations for 2012 financial support, through its various granting programs: the City's Arts and Culture Grant Program for local arts, heritage and culture organizations and the Corporate Grant Program for local community groups.

City of Mississauga Grant Programs

The City of Mississauga provides financial support to a range of community based groups and organizations through the following granting programs:

• Arts and Culture Grant Program for local arts, culture and heritage groups in the form of: Operating, Project, Capital and Technical Assistance Grants
• Corporate Grant Program for non-arts/cultural community groups

How to Apply for Arts and Culture Grants

For more information on the Arts and Culture Grant Program, contact 905-615-3200 ext. 5476 or email grantsinfo@mississauga.ca. Application forms and guidelines for the 2012 Arts and Culture Grant program are available at: www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/grantinformation. The deadline for submission for the 2012 Arts and Culture Grant Program is Thursday, October 13, 2011 by 4 p.m. Applications should be submitted directly to the Culture Division, Central Library, 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd West, 4th Floor, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3Y3.

How to Apply for Corporate Grants

For more information, guidelines, and application forms for the 2012 City of Mississauga Corporate Grants Program, please contact Iris Radosevic 905-615-3200 ext. 5322 or email
iris.radosevic@mississauga.ca. The deadline for submission for the 2012 City of Mississauga Corporate Grants Program is Thursday, October 13, 2011 by 4 p.m. Submit applications directly to the Recreation and Parks Division, 201 City Centre Drive, 9th Floor, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3C1.

Celebrate an extraordinary evening of arts and culture at the Mississauga Art Council’s ARTBEATS Gala on October 14. Tickets are now on sale for this sensational event featuring culinary delights, a red-carpet kick-off, entertainment, atmosphere, fine art and so much more! Enjoy performances by Mississauga's Star Tenor Michael Ciufo, Opera Pop Super Group Naria and CanAfric Theatre. The mission of ARTBEATS is to raise funds to support the work of the Mississauga Arts Council. ARTBEATS will begin at 6 p.m. at the Red Rose Convention Centre located at 1233 Derry Rd. E. Tickets are $125 or two for $200. Please call 905-615-4278 for additional details. www.mississaugaartscouncil.com

---

Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of tap dance at its best! On October 15 and 16, Mississauga’s professional tap company What's On TAP?! is proud to present the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference. This popular event includes an incredible show featuring the professional What's On TAP?! company on October 15 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a day filled with workshops on October 16. The event will take place at the Living Arts Centre located at 4141 Living Arts Dr. Tickets are $29 to $35. Please visit www.whats-on-tap.com to register today! www.livingartscentre.com

---

The world renowned Sampradaya Dance Creations, Mississauga’s premiere South Asian Dance Troupe, is set to dazzle audiences as it performs on October 12 at the Markham Theatre. Sampradaya proudly presents the world renowned Kalakshetra Repertory dance ensemble, directed by Padmashri Leela Samson. The show will begin at 8 p.m. at the Markham Theatre located at 171 Town Centre Boulevard. Following this performance, on October 14, Sampradaya will take center stage at the 10th Anniversary of the Trillium Health Centre Foundation's Diwali Fundraiser. Please visit www.trilliumhealthcentrefoundation.org for more details. www.sampradaya.ca

---

Explore the stunning creative works by rising Canadian textile artist Pat Hertzberg. On September 27, Heritage Mississauga is delighted to present Pat’s original works in a new show, Out of the Woods at The Grange. This exciting new exhibit of contemporary work contains a number of unique fiber and mixed-media pieces for both show and sale. The Grange (also known as Heritage Mississauga), is located at 1921 Dundas St. W. For additional details please call 905-828-8411 ext. 29. www.heritagemississauga.com

---

Discover the natural beauty of Mexico with a fascinating travelogue presented by the Rotary Clubs of Mississauga West on October 13. The great country of Mexico has so much to offer that one could easily spend a lifetime traveling there and still not see it all. In the film, producers Fran and Brooke Reidelberger focus their research and cameras on some very popular destinations. The event will begin with a musical pre-show at 7:15 p.m. followed by the feature presentation at 8 p.m. at Port Credit Secondary School. Tickets are $2 to $12. Please call 905-822-5621 for further details. www.rotarylakeshore.org OR www.rotary7080.org/mississaugawest

---

Callling all gardeners! Get inspired at the Applewood Garden Club of Mississauga’s Q & A with expert gardener David Tarrant. The event will take place on October 14 at the Noel Ryan Auditorium. The event titled Magnificent Abundance: the Gardens and Wildflowers of San Miguel de Allende, explores the gorgeous flowers from this colonial town. Let David take you on a tour of the choicest blooms and the town's most magnificent gardens, including his own garden and the home of Toller Cranston. David was the host of the popular CBC television show 'The Canadian Gardener' and in 2004 David hosted `Spring` a gardening series which aired on HGTV. The Noel Ryan Auditorium is located at 301 Burnhamthorpe R. W. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling 905-891-7884. www.applewoodgardenclub.org

---

Local artist Freda Wrench is pleased to present a new exhibit of her original art works in her new show Down To Earth on display from October 7 to November 8. The new show features paintings which are an expression of Freda's concern for our natural environment. By incorporating the human figure and the use of symbolism she hopes to convey the interconnectedness of mankind and nature. All are welcome to the opening reception to be held on October 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The show will be featured at the Dam Gallery in the Alton Mill located at 1402 Queen St. in Alton, Caledon. Please call 905-880-2972 for more details.

---

Invigorate your mind with the launch of the Heritage Speaker Series 2011 on October 6 at 7 p.m. The featured topic of the event is The War of 1812: Why Canada is not a U.S. State featuring Professor Ken Weber. The story of 1812 is one of myth, mix ups and bravery. Who won this war? Everybody or nobody? This war shaped forever the way Canada and the United States relate to each other. For Canada this conflict was the first important step in becoming a very distinct nation. Join us for this lively talk about a war that began to define this country! The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Maja Prentice Theatre located at 3650 Dixie Rd. Please call 905-615-4860 x 2113 for more details. www.visualartsmississauga.com

---

Do your little ones love to dance? Encourage your child’s love of dance with Musical Theatre classes offerred by ThrivePAC. This course teaches the basics of musical theatre through singing, dancing, acting and mini-performance workshops in a friendly environment. Parents are invited to watch the kids perform at the end of the last class. Classes run from October 13 to November 28 for ages 8 to 17 at the Grace Centre located at 6670 Campobello Rd. Please call 416-418-5480 for more details. www.thrivepac.com or info@thrivepac.com

---

Calling all gardeners! Spark your passion for gardening on October 12 at the Credit Valley Horticultural Society’s next meeting beginning at 8 p.m. The event will feature Frank Ferragine or 'Frankie Flowers' from CityTV’s Breakfast Television. Come to this event and hear Frank speak on the topic of ‘Falling into Gardening.’ The South Common Community Centre is located at 2233 South Millway. Please call 905-828-4634 for more details.

---

On the visual arts trail? Explore new works of art on display at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. Running until November 6, all are welcome to come and explore the new exhibit, The Urban/Rural Divide featuring works from the Gallery’s Permanent Collection. The Art Gallery is located at 300 City Centre Dr. Admission is free, please call 905-896-5088 for details. Over at Visual Arts Mississauga, a stunning new show featuring works by artist Rekha Pevekar are on display from October 4 to 15. Visual Arts Mississauga is located at 4170 Riverwood Park Lane. Please call 905-277-8256 for more details. www.visualartsmississauga.com www.artgalleryofmississauga.com

---

Thousands of free activities planned for second annual Culture Days celebration

Vancouver, B.C. (September 26, 2011) - The second annual Culture Days event kicks off in hundreds of cities and towns across Canada this weekend, September 30, October 1 and 2. Culture Days features free, hands-on interactive activities from coast to coast to coast that invite the public to discover and participate in the cultural life of their communities.

On the heels of Culture Days' 2010 success, this year, the pan-Canadian collaborative grass-roots movement has taken hold in some 800 communities (up from 700 last year) as more artists, organizations and supporters have mobilized to work together to promote their cultural resources and talents concurrently under the Culture Days banner. Notably, many municipalities have taken a lead role in mobilizing their arts and cultural communities to participate in this unprecedented outreach initiative, underscoring the valuable contribution a vibrant cultural scene makes to the economic and social prosperity of communities in Canada. Dozens of municipalities throughout the country have taken an active role in promoting Culture Days, including Surrey (BC), Swift Current (SK), Flin Flon (MB), Ottawa, Sudbury, Mississauga and Kingston (ON), Stratford (PEI) and Bear River (NS).

Over 5,500 free activities are scheduled for the weekend, spanning a wide range of arts and cultural disciplines and practices including: visual arts, music, dance, theatre, architecture, heritage, film and video, literature, culinary arts and new media. This represents a total growth of 22% in the number of activities compared to the first Culture Days weekend in 2010.

"Canada is growing a cross-country team committed to our culture. Artists and cultural organizations, municipalities and businesses have really stepped up to the plate in 2011 to collaborate and promote the creative vitality of their communities during the Culture Days weekend. It's going to be a great weekend of celebration and fun," commented Antoni Cimolino, General Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Chair of Culture Days' national Steering Committee.

The diverse activities taking place across the country throughout the Culture Days weekend include:

• Playwrights Guild of Canada celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Public Lending Right Commission with playwright readings in London (ON), Vancouver (BC), Toronto (ON), Medicine Hat (AB), Edmonton (AB), Winnipeg (MB ) and Scarborough (ON)
• Culture Days @ the Library. In collaboration with the Neighbourhood Arts Network, the Toronto Public Library offers more than 80 diverse activities in 45 library branches
• Caribou Hair Tufting, presented by Flin Flon Arts Council and Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre in Flin Flon, MB
• Introduction to Flamenco Dance, presented by Maria Osende in Halifax, NS
• Culture Days at the NAC. From an Interactive Stage Lighting Exhibit to Live Band Karaoke, the National Arts Centre presents 11 diverse activities in Ottawa, ON

"Our Culture Days campaign has both increased the variety and diversity of arts opportunities and built awareness of how the arts enrich people's lives and contribute to the liveability of the community," says Liesl Jauk, Manager of Cultural Development for the City of Richmond, B.C. "Culture Days has also encouraged an atmosphere of collaboration among community partners, including our local newspaper and Tourism Richmond. By working together, we have forged exceptional promotional initiatives that have helped us build long-term, meaningful relationships."

Canadians can visit the Culture Days website (www.culturedays.ca) to plan their weekend using the new Culture Days Bright Spots Schedule, presented by Culture Days' national Lead Founding Visionary Partner, Sun Life Financial. This online planning tool creates a personalized agenda of activities happening over the Culture Days weekend and includes a "smart" recommendation feature that will make activity suggestions based on those already selected. Schedules are easily exported to email, other calendar platforms and PDF.

Activities taking place across the country include those presented as part of the 15th annual Journées de la culture event in Québec and 4th annual Alberta Arts Days, both of which are part of the Canada-wide movement.

List of Mississauga Culture Days events

About Culture Days

Launched in 2010, Culture Days is a collaborative Canada-wide volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. Culture Days was initiated by four Founding Partners: The Canadian Arts Summit, Culture pour tous (producer of les Journées de la culture), Canada Council for the Arts and The Banff Centre. National partners supporting the development of Culture Days are: Lead Founding Visionary Partner Sun Life Financial, Founding Visionary Partner The Audain Foundation, Visionary Partners Aeroplan and Endeavour. Federal Government support is provided by Canadian
Heritage. National Media Partners are: CBC, The Globe and Mail and St. Joseph Communications. Provincial Partners are: Government of B.C., Government of Alberta, SaskCulture, Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, Trillium Foundation, Government of New Brunswick, Government of Nova Scotia, Government of Prince Edward Island, Government of Newfoundland & Labrador and the Government of Northwest Territories. The 2011 Culture Days Weekend is taking place September 30th, October 1st and 2nd, 2011 across Canada.

MISSISSAUGA, ON-Join the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) as it celebrates all that is creative in Mississauga at its 2nd annual ARTBEATS Gala and Reception. The red carpet event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 14th at the Red Rose Convention Centre, located at 1233 Derry Road, East. Indulge your senses with a succulent variety of cuisine, a live and silent auction and incredible performances by tenor Michael Ciufo, opera-pop group Naria and CanAfric Theatre. Tickets are $125/individual or $200/couple and can be purchased by calling 905-615-4278. All proceeds from MAC's ARTBEATS fundraiser will help to raise funds to support Mississauga's growing arts community.

The Mississauga Arts Council is excited to showcase this year's performers. ARTBEATS will feature Canadian tenor Michael Ciufo who will dazzle the audience as he performs songs from his new album "Momento." Known for his stage presence, charisma, and gorgeous, classically trained voice, Michael is one of Mississauga's most promising talents. ARTBEATS will also feature a performance by Opera Pop girl group Naria featuring singers Katya, Annaliese, Michelle and Anna; four brilliant voices whose vocal prowess and original choreographed compositions feature Opera, Pop, Techno and World music with classical high notes. Lastly, the exotic rhythm, beats and original choreography of Afro-Canadian group CanAfric Theatre will close the show with a bang (literally!).

Art collectors will have a prime opportunity to acquire priceless pieces at the event. ARTBEATS will spotlight a diverse collection of original artworks and unique items at its live and silent auctions. There will be original works by respected artists Robin Hollingdrake, Asma Arshad Mahmood, Claudio Ghirardo, Tina Newlove and many more! Other luxurious silent auction items include private musical performances by top musicians, a wine tasting with a professional sommelier, tickets to live theatre across the City of Mississauga and so much more!

If you are unable to attend the event, please consider donating to the Mississauga Arts Council. Call the office at 905-615-4278 to donate. Visit us online at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com.