At Jamii, recognition is something we share. The awards and honours we receive celebrate the creativity, care and collaboration behind our work. Through the awards we present, we honour the artists, volunteers, supporters and community leaders whose contributions enrich life on The Esplanade and beyond.
AWARDS RECEIVED
2026
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Presented by Business / Arts
Awarded to Jamii & Berkeley Castle
Jamii and Berkeley Castle received the 2026 Community Impact Award in recognition of fifteen years of partnership bringing arts and community life together on The Esplanade.
Through festivals, workshops, public art and youth leadership initiatives, this collaboration has helped make creativity part of everyday neighbourhood life, creating opportunities for residents and artists to connect, participate and build a sense of belonging.
The award was presented on October 5, 2026, at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
2026
TORONTO CENTRE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented by Kristyn Wong-Tam,
Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre
Awarded to Jamii
Jamii received the 2026 Toronto Centre Leadership Award in recognition of its lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community.
Presented during Jamii’s 15th anniversary year, the award celebrates its work bringing artists and neighbours together through arts programming, festivals, workshops and public events. It recognizes a form of leadership rooted in listening, building trust and creating welcoming spaces where people can express themselves and feel a sense of belonging.
The award was presented on June 16, 2026, at The Palm House at Allan Gardens in Toronto.
2025
TORONTO CENTRE
COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD
Presented by Chris Moise, then City Councillor for Ward 13 – Toronto Centre
Awarded to Jamii
Jamii received the 2025 Toronto Centre Community Builder Award in recognition of its contribution to a more connected and inclusive neighbourhood through the arts.
The recognition highlighted Jamii’s commitment to making art accessible, from community singing in the park to the basketball court mural in David Crombie Park. It celebrated the opportunities Jamii creates for people of all ages to share their talents, participate in artistic experiences and build connections in the public spaces they share.
The award was presented on December 5, 2025, at St. Lawrence Hall in Toronto.
2025
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARD
Presented by the youth of Regent Park, through Wanasah’s youth ambassadors
Awarded to Jamii
Jamii received the Community Recognition Award at the inaugural Regent Park Community Recognition Event, organized by Wanasah’s youth ambassadors.
This recognition holds special meaning because it comes directly from young people, celebrating Jamii’s work and its positive impact on youth. The event brought community organizations together for an evening of connection and appreciation.
The award was presented on February 28, 2025, at Shoot for Peace.
2023
COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOGNITION
ARTS & CULTURE LEADER
Presented by Chris Glover, Member of Provincial Parliament - Spadina-Fort York
Awarded to Jamii
Jamii was recognized as an Arts & Culture Leader at Chris Glover’s 2023 Community Recognition Ceremony, celebrating individuals, businesses and organizations contributing to community life in Spadina–Fort York.
For Jamii, this recognition celebrates the role of arts and culture in bringing neighbours together, encouraging creative expression and building a sense of belonging through shared experiences.
The virtual ceremony took place on February 25, 2023.
2022
DORA MAVOR MOORE AWARD NOMINATIONS
La Bulle
Recognized by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA)
A CORPUS production, presented by Théâtre français de Toronto and Jamii
La Bulle received two nominations at the 2022 Dora Mavor Moore Awards in the Dance Division:
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Outstanding Production
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Outstanding Achievement in Design — David Danzon and Carolin Lindner, scenic design
Presented at the Berkeley Castle Courtyard from August 31 to September 5, 2021, this outdoor performance invited audiences into the world of Pierrot, a solitary character living inside a transparent bubble. Through movement, mime and humour, the production explored solitude and human connection.
As a co-presenter, Jamii was proud to bring this imaginative work to The Esplanade and celebrate the recognition of its artistic team.
2021
COMMUNITY HERITAGE AWARD
NOMINATION
Recognized by Heritage Toronto
Nominee: Jamii
Jamii was nominated for the 2021 Community Heritage Award, which recognizes community and volunteer-based organizations supporting and promoting Toronto’s heritage.
The nomination highlighted Jamii’s work bringing people of different generations and backgrounds together through the arts. Through performances, exhibitions and collaborative projects, Jamii creates opportunities for neighbours to share stories, express their identities and build a sense of belonging.
Heritage Toronto also highlighted Jamii’s support for BIPOC artists and its LAINI program, which encourages young women to develop their confidence and creative leadership.
2020
COMMUNITY ARTS AWARD
Recognized by Toronto Arts Foundation
Nominee: Jamii
Jamii received the 2020 Community Arts Award in recognition of its work connecting people through the arts on The Esplanade.
As Jamii approached its tenth anniversary, the award marked a meaningful milestone, celebrating its artistic quality, deep community relationships and commitment to making arts experiences accessible. In her acceptance speech, founder Isorine Marc dedicated the recognition to the artists, residents, volunteers, staff, board members and supporters who had helped shape Jamii.
The award affirmed a shared belief that creating art and memories together can strengthen the bonds of a neighbourhood and inspire its next generation.
2020
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UNLOCKED: A FLOW OF COLOURFUL CONNECTIONS IN LOCKDOWN
AWARDS & FESTIVAL RECOGNITION
Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, Unlocked received Canadian and international recognition for its experimental filmmaking, visual storytelling and music.
Directed and produced by Charmaine Kachibaia and Isorine Marc, this Jamii film brings together the experiences of women from The Esplanade as they reflect on identity, isolation and connection. Filmed throughout the neighbourhood, their stories take shape through poetry, song, dance and visual art.
Awards & Special Mentions
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Best Experimental Short Film — Five Continents International Film Festival, Venezuela
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Special Mentions for Cinematography, Editing and Original Score, Short Film — Five Continents International Film Festival, Venezuela
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Award of Distinction — Canada Shorts
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Exceptional Merit — Docs Without Borders Film Festival, USA
Official Selections
Yellowknife International Film Festival · DIVERSITY FEEDBACK Film Festival · Better Cities Film Festival · Docs Without Borders Film Festival
Produced by Jamii in partnership with Canadian Stage, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts and Toronto Arts Council.
2019
AT HEART, CITIZENS OF THE ESPLANADE
AWARDS & FESTIVAL RECOGNITION
Jamii’s community documentary, At Heart, Citizens of The Esplanade, earned recognition in Canada and internationally for its storytelling, filmmaking and contribution to public history.
Directed by Ayelen Liberona and Joseph Johnson Camí and produced by Isorine Marc, the film was co-created with Esplanadians. It shares the stories of our neighbourhood and invites audiences to reflect on the values that shape community development, belonging and city life.
Awards
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Public History Award — Heritage Toronto, Canada
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Best Editing & Best Cinematography, Short Documentary — Five Continents International Film Festival, Venezuela
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Award of Merit, Documentary Short — IndieFEST Film Awards, USA
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Exceptional Merit, Social Issues — Docs Without Borders Film Festival, USA
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Merit Award — Canada Shorts: Canadian and International Short Film Festival
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Best Music, Audience Award — Documentary Short Film Festival, Toronto
Official Selections
Alternative Film Festival · Docs Without Borders Film Festival · Five Continents International Film Festival · IndieFEST Film Awards · Diversity Feedback Film Festival · Canadian Diversity Film Festival
AWARDS PRESENTED BY JAMII
Behind Jamii’s work are artists, volunteers, donors, partners and community leaders whose contributions help our neighbourhood thrive. The Jamii Awards celebrate their dedication, creativity and generosity, and the many ways they bring people together through the arts.
Presented for the first time at Jamii’s 15th Anniversary Gala on October 14, 2026, these six awards honour contributions ranging from artistic excellence and volunteer dedication to philanthropic support, community advocacy and visionary leadership.
2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS
2026
COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
Recipient: Filomena Lacaria
The Community Champion Award honours someone whose dedication enriches life on The Esplanade and helps neighbours feel a lasting sense of belonging.
Jamii presents the inaugural award to Filemona Lacaria in recognition of more than three decades of service to children and families at St. Lawrence Co-operative Day Care. Her care and commitment have made her a trusted presence across generations.
FILOMENA LACARIA
For more than 30 years, Filomena Lacaria has served the St. Lawrence community as a Supervisor at St. Lawrence Co-operative Day Care. She has helped expand its child care services, supported generations of children and families, and built lasting relationships throughout the neighbourhood.
Working collaboratively with her colleagues, management, Board of Directors, and community organizations, Filomena has created opportunities for children and families to participate in local programs, initiatives, and events. Her work with Jamii has been especially meaningful in helping connect them with the broader community.
