About the Distinguished Artist Award
The 2025 Distinguished Artist Award recipients were awarded at a celebration in Edmonton on October 4, 2025.
Nominations for the 2027 Distinguished Artist Award will open December, 2026.
Awards
Up to three awards of $30,000 each are awarded every other year (odd years). Recipients also receive a hand-cast medal, a pin, a framed citation, and, where appropriate, a two-week residency at The Banff Centre Leighton Artists Colony.
Who is a Distinguished Artist?
Individuals or organizations may nominate an artist, artist collective, or arts builder and supporter for a Distinguished Artist Award. (Self-nominations, posthumous nominations, and nominations from family members, however, will not be considered.)
Eligible nominees must be:
- Canadian citizens
- Current Alberta residents, or those who have had a significant connection to the province over time
- Artists who have achieved excellence in their discipline
- Arts supporters and builders who have contributed in a major way to the arts in Alberta.
The Award Medals
Medals, which feature a sculpted outline of the Alberta wild rose surrounding a cut out star, were designed by Wei Yew. They are hand-cast in sterling silver and plated in 18 karat gold by Wayne Mackenzie. Miniatures of the medals are cast in 18 karat gold as lapel pins for Award recipients.
