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2017 Distinguished Artist Alex Janvier

One of Canada’s foremost contemporary artists. His blend of abstract and representational images in bright, symbolic colours speak to his lived experience as a First Nations person emerging from a history of oppression and struggles for cultural empowerment.

2019 Distinguished Artist Katie Ohe

Considered one of Alberta’s pioneers of abstract art and sculpture. Her six-decade career working in steel, concrete, epoxy and chrome has spearheaded the medium in Alberta.

JUNO nominated composer John Estacio

Served as Composer in Residence for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic, and the Calgary Opera. He is the recipient of the prestigious NAC Award for Composers and several SOCAN Concert Music Awards, and a 2017 Distinguished Artist.

Writer Rudy Wiebe

His works have won numerous awards, been translated into more than a dozen languages and found their way into readers’ hands across Canada and around the world. He was awarded the 2009 Distinguished Artist award for his many contributions to the art in Alberta.

EMERGING
ARTIST

In 2021 we will name up to three new Distinguished Artists. The Distinguished Artist Award recognizes Alberta artists from all arts disciplines for outstanding artistic achievement, artistic excellence, and significant contribution to the arts in Alberta. Watch for announcement of the 2021 awardees in June 2021.

About the
Lieutenant
Governor of
Alberta
Arts Awards

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation was established in 2003 and its first awards program for Distinguished Artists was launched in 2005. The Emerging Artist Awards program began in 2008.

Since then, 63 Emerging and 20 Distinguished Artists have been recognized with this prestigious award. Recipients span the rich offering of visual, performing, film, design and literary professional arts in the province. These outstanding artists continue to contribute to Alberta’s rich cultural fabric in communities across the province – and across Canada.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ALBERTA

Salma Lakhani is a community leader and volunteer who is guided by her deep commitment to the values of pluralism and inclusion and her dedication to championing those who face barriers in life. Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, she came to Canada in 1977 as a stateless person after all Ugandans of Asian origin were expelled from that country. She is a proud Ismaili Muslim who has offered longstanding service to a range of organizations, including NorQuest College, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, Kids Kottage, Sorrentino’s Compassion House, the Alberta Cancer Board and the Zebra Foundation.

She began her duties as the 19th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on August 26, 2020. She serves as Patron of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards.