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 Now Open

These remarkable local artists, arts collectives, arts community leaders and volunteers have been named to the 2025 City of Hamilton Arts Awards Shortlist in the following categories:

• Lifetime Achievement Award (all disciplines)
• Creator Awards (all disciplines, including Arts Management)
• Arts Champion Awards (volunteers and community builders)

Nomination Packages

Download the nomination package(PDF, 4.24 MB) to review eligibility criteria, submission requirements and how nominations are scored and selected through the peer adjudication process. Plain text version of the nomination package also available(File, 6.18 MB).

The nomination package outlines the eligibility criteria, submission requirements and how nominations are scored and selected through the peer adjudication process. Nominations are due on or before Friday, January 16, 2026.

Submit Online Nomination Package

Apply by Mail or In-person Drop-off to Reception

City of Hamilton Arts Awards
Attn: Hamilton Arts Council 
115 King Street East, 3rd floor 
Hamilton, ON L8N 1A9 

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am to  4 pm
Holiday Closure: December 20, 2025 - January 4, 2026 

 *Hard-copy / paper submissions will be accepted until 4 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026. 

Incomplete nominations and / or nominations received after the deadline will not be accepted. Emailed, faxed, and post-dated submissions will not be accepted.

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.