Arts Awards Ceremony and Celebration

Celebrating 50 years of artistic legacy and vision in Hamilton

Join us on July 9 for an awards ceremony and dynamic celebration featuring an awards ceremony, artistic programming, and a reception bringing together members of Hamilton’s arts and cultural community. Installations by three past Arts Award recipients have been commissioned as a special feature to commemorate 50 years of the Arts Awards in Hamilton.

The Arts Awards is a signature event of Hamilton Arts Week Festival.

Review the 2026 City of Hamilton Arts Awards Short List.

Event Details

Master of Ceremony:  Lohifa Pogoson Acker

Shirley Elford Emerging Artist Commission Prize Installations:

• Julianna Biernacki
• Jen Robins

Event Agenda

6 pm

• Welcome Reception in Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Pavilion, with refreshments and cash bar
• Interactive programming with ReCreate drop-in Art Studios, and 50th Arts awards creative response
• DJ Donna Lovejoy with the soundtrack to the city

6:45 pm

• Ceremony opening with MC Lohifa Pogoson Acker
• Live performance from Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (Quartet)
• Award Presentation:
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Arts Champion Award
• Live author readings from Linzey Corridon & Sheila Murray

8:15 pm

• Intermission
• Potluck-style Barbeque in the Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden
• hArt Dance Film Series screening

8:45 pm

• Welcome Back
• Live performance from Gary Barwin

9 pm

• Award Presentation: Creator Awards

9:30 pm

• Live performance from Biindigen Indigenous Young Artists Program

10 pm

• Event Close