In 2006, the Ontario government created this annual award program to recognize the outstanding achievements of artists and arts organizations and their contributions to arts and culture in Ontario over a significant period of time.

The awards recognize artists and arts organizations engaged in a variety of disciplines including literature, media arts, music, theatre, visual arts or cultural industries, such as book and magazine publishing, digital media, film, television and sound recording.

The total value of the awards is $120,000. This amount is divided into two categories of $60,000 each for: the Artist Award and the Arts Organization Award.

About the Artist Award:

The Artist Award recognizes a professional artist.

One laureate will receive a cash award of $35,000. The laureate will nominate a promising new or emerging individual talent in the same field who will receive a cash award of $15,000.

Five short-listed finalists will each receive $2,000 and a framed certificate.

All artist and emerging talent candidates must be professional artists, Ontario residents, and Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

About the Arts Organization Award:

The Arts Organization Award is given to an arts organization involved in the production and/or distribution of artistic work by professional artists.

One laureate will receive a cash award of $50,000.

Five short-listed finalists will each receive $2,000 and a framed certificate.

Candidates can be not-for-profit organizations or for-profit commercial enterprises. Their primary business must be part of the professional arts or cultural industries of Ontario. The organization must have a head office in Ontario and led by professional personnel.

How to Nominate:

Any Ontario resident who enjoys and takes an interest in Ontario’s arts and cultural industries may nominate an artist or arts organization for the awards.

Details about the awards, guidelines and nomination forms are on the Ontario Arts Council website. The Ontario Arts Council administers the selection process for the awards on behalf of the Government of Ontario.