Toronto, January 12, 2016 – The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) invites you to nominate an Aboriginal artist or arts leader for the Ontario Arts Council Aboriginal Arts Award. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, February 17, 2016.
About the Ontario Arts Council Aboriginal Arts Award
- The annual award honours outstanding achievements and the distinguished career of an Aboriginal artist or arts leader in Ontario.
- The winner receives a $10,000 award and is invited to choose an emerging Aboriginal artist who best exemplifies the next generation of Aboriginal leadership in the arts. The emerging artist receives a $2,500 award.
Who is eligible for this award?
- Ontario-based professional Aboriginal artists and arts leaders.
- Nominees can work in all customary/traditional and/or contemporary art practices: craft, dance, integrated arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theatre or visual arts.
Who can submit a nomination?
- Nominations can be made by anyone, regardless of Nation or citizenship.
- Nominators can submit only one nomination at each deadline.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Nominations will not be accepted from
- Members of the nominee’s immediate family (spouse or equivalent, son or daughter, parent, sibling or member of the immediate household);
- Members of the nominee’s organization’s board of directors;
- The nominee’s employer or employees.
How to nominate a candidate
- Download the award guidelines and nomination forms for information about nominator and nominee eligibility criteria and the nomination process.
- To have a paper copy mailed to you, contact us at 416-961-1660, 1-800-387-0058 (toll-free in Ontario) or info@arts.on.ca.
2015 Laureate – Daniel David Moses
(Photo: Kirsten Gunter)
Daniel David Moses – a Delaware hailing from the Six Nations of the Grand River – is a playwright, poet and essayist with 13 produced and/or published plays. He is also a Queen’s National Scholar in the Department of Drama at Queen’s University. Learn more.
2014 Laureate – Christi Belcourt
(Photo: MUSKRAT Magazine)
Christi Belcourt is a Métis visual artist and author based in Espanola. Her work explores a variety of issues, including concerns for the environment, biodiversity, spirituality and Indigenous rights. Learn more.
2013 Laureate – Basil Johnston (1929–2015)
(Photo: Shoshana Wasser)
Basil Johnston was a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. He devoted his career to the celebration and preservation of Anishinaubae heritage. Learn more.
2012 Laureate – Shelley Niro
(Photo: Carolyn Gloude)
Shelley Niro, a visual artist, is a member of the Turtle Clan of the Kanien’kehaka (Mohawk) Nation, from the Six Nations of the Grand River territory. She creates complex visual experiences in a variety of media, including beadwork, painting, photography and film. Learn more.
For more information, contact:
Carolyn Gloude
Associate Awards Officer
416-969-7423, toll free 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7423
cgloude@arts.on.ca.