Nominations

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 Studios. 

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.)

Nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Artist Award will be accepted between November 15, 2024 and March 31, 2025. 

To prepare for the nomination:

• Ensure the nominee is a Canadian citizen, lives in Alberta, or has had a significant connection to the Alberta arts scene over time.
• Speak to your nominee, let them know you will be nominating them, ask for a current CV and have them complete and sign the Nominee Information Release and Consent Form.  When completed, have your nominee return the signed form to you, the nominator. This is one of the required documents you will include with your Distinguished Artist Award Nomination.
• Write a document of no more than three pages, single spaced, explaining why this nominee merits Alberta’s top recognition for artistic achievements and/or contribution to advancing their artistic discipline. If the nominee does not currently reside in Alberta, clearly outline their connection to Alberta and their contributions to growing our province’s arts and culture.
• Complete all the fields of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta 2025 Distinguished Artist Award Nomination.
• Contact administrator@artsawards.ca with any questions regarding the Distinguished Artist Award 2025 nomination process.

Did you know that you can apply to join an expert panel for the AFA?

We encourage expert panel nominations from Albertans to ensure the involvement of the arts community in AFA funding decisions. Anyone may nominate a potential expert panel member, including themselves.

To join an expert panel you must:

• First, download the Expert Panel Handbook to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the expert panel.
• Then, complete an Expert Panel Nomination Form.
• Finally, email us your completed nomination form.

Who selects an expert panel?

Expert panels are assembled as needed by Arts Branch staff. Assembled review panels are reflective of the expertise required for each set of applications and to promote adequate representation of diverse perspectives, including:

• artists in various stages of their career
• artists from different locations around the province
• different gender identities
• Indigenous artists
• culturally diverse artists
• Francophone artists
• Deaf artists and artists with disabilities

Compensation for expert panel members

Expert panel members are paid in accordance with established AFA rates for service.

Panel members are paid a reading fee for each application reviewed and a daily rate for participation during the expert panel sessions.

Learn more about expert panels and the adjudication process