Be part of the legacy that fuels Wood Buffalo’s
creativity !
What is Beyond the Buffys?
Beyond the Buffys is a year-round initiative that builds on the spirit of the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Celebration (the Buffys) by extending its impact beyond a single night of celebration. While the Buffys honour the local artists who uplift our communities and inspire change, Beyond the Buffys encompasses the professional development and community engagement activities that lead up to this highly anticipated event.
Through training, mentorship, creative workshops, and tailored resources, Beyond the Buffys creates more opportunities for connection, learning, and artistic growth.
Why is it important?
In a rural environment like Wood Buffalo, where arts institutions are few and far between, this program is vital. In recent years, our local economy and livelihood has been deeply affected by a series of hardships, including Canada’s largest natural disaster, the 2016 Horse River Wildfire, a devastating flood in 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As investing in the arts has been proven to help communities heal in the aftermath of disasters, the Buffys were created as a catalyst for a thriving arts landscape that fuels a brighter future.
What is our impact?
Since the launch of the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts celebration in 2016, we’ve attracted over 22.7 thousand people.
In 2024, over 300 artists were spotlighted, investing over $54,000 in the creative economy.
Our social media reach exceeded 50,000.
In 2025, we aim to expand this impact by further amplifying the voices of our creative community locally and beyond.
Why should you attend the event?
On October 18th, 2025, we’re marking a milestone, the 10th anniversary of the Buffys, with a celebration inspired by one of the most legendary parties of all time.
Ten Years of Midnight at the Black & White Ball invites you to step into the world of Truman Capote’s iconic 1966 soirée, heralded as “The party of the century.” Prepare for an evening filled with timeless glamour and the creative flair that only Wood Buffalo can deliver, as we showcase the very best of our local talent.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of Wood Buffalo’s artistic legacy and celebrate the creativity that makes our community shine.
What difference will your contribution make?
Every contribution brings us closer to our goal and unlocks new possibilities for creativity in Wood Buffalo.
With 50% of our goal:
- The Buffys celebration will continue to grow as a dynamic platform for showcasing local talent and creative achievement.
-
We will offer a handful of introductory workshops, giving
people a taste of creative expression.
With 100% of our goal:
- We will elevate the Buffys experience with enhanced storytelling and deepen connections with the audience.
- Beyond The Buffys programming will grow stronger and continue to support local artists while engaging community members.
If we exceed of our goal:
- We will build on a strong foundation, investing in long-term impact and reaching a wider audience.
- We will offer more resources and support for local artists, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional growth across the creative sector.
FAQ
Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
For any donation made through this platform, you will automatically receive a tax receipt covering the amount of your contribution minus the value of your associated perks.
I can’t attend the event, can I still contribute?
If you can’t make it to the event, you are still welcome to donate and can choose to offer part or all your perks as a gift for someone else to enjoy.
Can I contribute without choosing a perk?
Yes. To donate without choosing a perk, simply click on the Contribute button on the upper right side of your screen (desktop or mobile) and follow the instructions.
About Arts Council Wood Buffalo
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is a prominent advocate for the arts in our region, working towards a community where creativity can flourish. Our mission is to build a thriving community through the arts by providing valuable support, opportunities, and programs in Fort McMurray and the surrounding rural communities.
Perks
-
1x
ACWB individual membership for one year including:
- Tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration discounted at $110 after early bird window
- Discounts on ACWB workshops, courses and events
- Access to FREE advisory and consultative services for your creative projects
- And much more…
- 1x "Free Drink" coupon for Buffys 2025 celebration
- 1x “surprise” print or exclusive tote-bag from an ACWB member artist
- 1x personalized “Thank you” card from Arts Council Wood Buffalo.
*entry ticket not included
Recognition as a Community Partner including:
-
1x ticket to Buffys 2025 celebration
- 1x Buffys 2025 VIP Experience (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Name and/or logo in event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
Recognition as a Collaborating Partner including:
-
- Two tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for two (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Name and/or logo in event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
Recognition as a Creative Impact Partner for you selected arts discipline. Benefits include:
-
-
Three tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for three (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative features in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
- Name and/or logo in event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
-
Three tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
Available disciplines include: arts administration, arts education, craft, creative collaboration, dance, literary arts, media arts, performing arts, visual arts, youth.
Recognition as a Legacy Partner supporting the work of dedicated artists and arts supporter. Benefits include:
-
-
Four tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for four (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative features in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
-
Name and/or logo recognition on event poster
-
Half-page advertisement on event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
-
Four tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
Recognition as a patron of the arts supporting the organization of the Buffys 2025 celebration. Benefits include:
-
- Exclusive brand attribution as pre-show (welcome), mainstage, or after-party partner
- Four tickets to the Buffys
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for four (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative features in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
- Opportunity for company representative to speak live at Buffys 2025
-
Name and/or logo recognition on event poster
-
Half-page advertisement on event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
Recognition as the presenting partner of the Buffys 2025 celebration. Benefits include:
-
- Private food tasting and drink sampling in preparation of the Buffys
- Five tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for five (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative featured in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
- Opportunity for company representative to speak live at Buffys 2025
- Logo recognition on event poster and on a selection of event materials
-
Full-page advertisement on event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
Highlights
See all activity2Activity
-
1x
ACWB individual membership for one year including:
- Tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration discounted at $110 after early bird window
- Discounts on ACWB workshops, courses and events
- Access to FREE advisory and consultative services for your creative projects
- And much more…
- 1x "Free Drink" coupon for Buffys 2025 celebration
- 1x “surprise” print or exclusive tote-bag from an ACWB member artist
- 1x personalized “Thank you” card from Arts Council Wood Buffalo.
*entry ticket not included
Recognition as a Community Partner including:
-
1x ticket to Buffys 2025 celebration
- 1x Buffys 2025 VIP Experience (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Name and/or logo in event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
Recognition as a Collaborating Partner including:
-
- Two tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for two (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Name and/or logo in event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
Recognition as a Creative Impact Partner for you selected arts discipline. Benefits include:
-
-
Three tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for three (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative features in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
- Name and/or logo in event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
-
Three tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
Available disciplines include: arts administration, arts education, craft, creative collaboration, dance, literary arts, media arts, performing arts, visual arts, youth.
Recognition as a Legacy Partner supporting the work of dedicated artists and arts supporter. Benefits include:
-
-
Four tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for four (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative features in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
-
Name and/or logo recognition on event poster
-
Half-page advertisement on event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
-
Four tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
Recognition as a patron of the arts supporting the organization of the Buffys 2025 celebration. Benefits include:
-
- Exclusive brand attribution as pre-show (welcome), mainstage, or after-party partner
- Four tickets to the Buffys
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for four (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative features in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
- Opportunity for company representative to speak live at Buffys 2025
-
Name and/or logo recognition on event poster
-
Half-page advertisement on event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
Recognition as the presenting partner of the Buffys 2025 celebration. Benefits include:
-
- Private food tasting and drink sampling in preparation of the Buffys
- Five tickets to Buffys 2025 celebration
- Buffys 2025 VIP Experience for five (premium access and exclusive gifts)
- Company representative featured in special Buffys 2025 Partner Video
- Verbal Recognition during Buffys 2025
- Opportunity for company representative to speak live at Buffys 2025
- Logo recognition on event poster and on a selection of event materials
-
Full-page advertisement on event programme
- Recognition on ACWB social media
- ACWB Business Membership - One Year
