About The Award...

The Colleen Peterson Committee, Ontario Arts Council and board members of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals are very pleased to announce the creation of the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award. Established as a legacy in recognition of Colleen Peterson's contribution to Canadian folk and country music, this non taxable $1000 cash award will be given to help support and promote the work of emerging Ontario songwriters. The winner will also receive registration for the OCFF Conference to encourage participation and networking within the music industry.

Financial donations generated by various fundraising events including the successful benefit concert at Hugh's Room in Toronto, produced over $20,000 toward the creation of the award. The Ontario Arts Council will be administering the finances on behalf of the Colleen Peterson Committee. The recipient of this award will be determined by a juried nomination process in collaboration with the Galaxie sponsored 'Songs From The Heart' submissions. Nominations will be forwarded to the Colleen Peterson Committee Jury where upon a separate winner will be selected.

Songwriters must reside in Ontario and are only eligible for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award by submitting their work to the Galaxie sponsored 'Songs From The Heart Award' for jury consideration. (Please do not call the Ontario Arts Council for information.) All 'Songs From The Heart' rules and considerations remain the same. "The jury will select one winner and two runners-up from the entries submitted. The winner will receive $1,000, registration for the OCFF conference for one person, an invitation to showcase at the OCFF Conference."

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) administers the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award. Donations may be arranged by contacting the OAC at (416) 969-7403 or toll-free at 1-800-387-0058.