(EDIT: A previous version of this article said the gift bags come with the ‘Buffy Stuffy’. These are sold separately.)
Gift bags celebrating the upcoming 2020 Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards are now available for purchase from Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB).
The theme for this year’s annual arts awards showcase is “Midnight Steampunk”.
Program Manager Luay Eljamal said the Arts Awards will be a little different this year.
“Arts Council is hosting a cinematic Steampunk Buffys experience that will be broadcast online through Facebook, YouTube and Shaw Spotlight as a way of respecting physical distancing while still celebrating and acknowledging all of the amazing talent in the Wood Buffalo region.”
Eljamal said viewers should reserve their free tickets for the Buffys on Eventbrite.
While they are on the site, they can purchase a Steampunk Gear Bag or a ‘Buffy Stuffy’ or donate towards the arts awards.
Wendell the Raven
New for 2020, the ‘Buffy Stuffy’ is a limited edition collectable item in the shape of a raven.
Supporters can also purchase Buffys canvas Gear Bags.
They include candy, a drink coaster, face mask, a ‘Buffys’ pin, event program, and commemorative sticker.
Executive Director Liana Wheeldon said Buffys 2020 will be an interactive experience.
“We know how important the Awards Showcase event is to artists, sponsors and supporters. We wanted to provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the Buffys while they watch the event. This year, we are bringing the Buffys to our audience instead of asking them to come out to the event.”
Wheeldon said participants can dress up in steampunk-themed costumes, share photos, and follow the event on social media with #buffys2020 and #ymmartstogether.
The Wood Buffalo Excellence In Arts Awards began in 2016.
Information about the awards, nominees, and event sponsors is available on the Arts Council Wood Buffalo website.