Arts Awards

Each year, members of the public nominate artists for consideration by independent panels of arts professionals who select notable artists and arts community leaders to honour for their excellence and contributions to Hamilton. We are proud to be marking the 50^th anniversary of the City of Hamilton Arts Awards in 2026!

For half a century, Hamilton's arts community has been our city's rhythmic pulse - steady in its beat, whilst constantly evolving in its content, and expanding the perceptions of what art can achieve. 

Our artists have been the diligent archivists, sharp narrators and bold visionaries of our city - profoundly informing and shaping Hamilton’s identity. They don’t merely reflect on Hamilton as a city and a home; they document it, enhance it, critique it and envision its future. 

The 50th year of the Hamilton Arts Awards is a celebration of this evolution and legacy, honouring those who have worked before, recognizing those who create today and anticipating the future artists who will shape what’s to come.

The purpose of the program is to:

• celebrate and build awareness of the incredible contribution that artists make to Hamilton
• foster growth in the arts sector
• develop the talent that drives this vital part of our city

Learn more about previous Arts Awards recipients

2026 Arts Awards Nominations are Closed 

Nominations for the 2026 City of Hamilton Arts Awards are now closed. Thank you to all those who nominated Hamilton's deserving artists and arts professionals.  

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of artists and arts sector experts, and award winners will be selected by a jury of leading arts professionals.  Adjudication for all awards will take place in Spring 2026. 

Shortlisted Nominees will be contacted in the coming weeks, announced in the spring and celebrated at a public event in July as part of Hamilton Arts Week. 

Each year, citizens nominate artists for consideration by independent juries of arts professionals who choose notable artists and arts community leaders to honour for their excellence and contributions to Hamilton. 

Information about the 2027 program, including the nomination package, will be available in Fall 2026.  

Arts Awards Categories 

• Lifetime Achievement Award (1 Award, $2,500) 
• Creator Awards (minimum of 8 Awards, $2500 per award) 
• Arts Champion Award (up to 4 Awards, non-monetary award) 
   

The 2026 Arts Awards are an opportunity to say thank you to the artists and arts community leaders that are essential to our quality of life and sense of identity in Hamilton. In 2026, we will be celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the Arts Awards – what better time to join us in support of the arts in Hamilton!

If your business would like to get involved as a program sponsor, please contact staff at [email protected] for more information.

The City of Hamilton gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the following 2025 Arts Awards sponsors:

Arts Champion Awards

Recognizing living individuals who are outstanding supporters of the arts in Hamilton as volunteers, advocates, or board members. This award is open to students and youth over 14 years old.

Sponsored by Incite Foundation

Lifetime Achievement Award

One Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred annually to recognize living artists or arts managers who have contributed substantially to the artistic vitality of the city over the course of a career, and have inspired others through their leadership, creativity and artistic excellence. These individuals’ experience and impact may be local, national or international in scope.

Sponsored by IPC Next Steps Planning

Creator Awards

Recognizing artistic excellence and/or innovation that contributes to artistic growth in the city, progresses the artform and expresses the cultural vitality and diversity of Hamilton’s art scene. Living artists, arts managers or artistic collectives working in any artistic discipline and at any career level may receive this award.

Sponsored by BLR, LLP

Arts Programming Sponsor

Sponsored by TD Canada Trust

Photography Sponsor

Sponsored by Banko Creative Studio

Recording Sponsor

Sponsored by Hazy Grove Recording Studio

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Notice of Collection
The City of Hamilton collects information under Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for City of Hamilton Arts Awards newsletter will be used to email you the newsletter. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors for information provision purposes. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws.

Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to City of Hamilton Arts Awards, email [email protected] or call 905-546-2424 ext. 7612.