About the Distinguished Artist Award

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award is Alberta’s most prestigious recognition of outstanding achievement in the arts.

Nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Artist Award will be accepted between November 15, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Go to our Nominate a Distinguished Artist page for more information and nomination forms. 

Katie Ohe, "Sky Block," 1981-82 aluminum, installation view in motion at Esker Foundation, 2020 (photo by Elyse Bouvier)

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:

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.