The Noreen Young Award for the Arts honors the legacy of Noreen Young (1939-2025), a renowned puppeteer and creator who shaped Canadian childhoods through her work on Under the Umbrella Tree and Hi Diddle Day.
As the founder of the Puppets Up! festival, Noreen brought international recognition to Almonte.
This annual $1,000 award supports a Mississippi Mills student pursuing post-secondary education in the arts, including puppetry, visual arts, media, and performing arts.
To apply, students must demonstrate primary residency in Mississippi Mills and acceptance into an art program.
The application is simple—a paragraph of interest, along with portfolio materials, letters of reference, and proof of extra-curricular or community involvement in the arts.
Applications are open until May 31st. For more information and to apply, visit mmcommunityfund.ca
This award, in partnership with the Ottawa Community Foundation, will continue annually.
(Written by: Brian Turner)