Arts and Heritage Awards: Comparable Canadian Models
Department research report: Descriptions of awards to individual artists by municipalities in Canada. Researcher: Nora Simpson, Halifax Regional Municipality. Document (PDF, 92K)

Brampton, ON – City of Brampton Arts Acclaim Award
Recognizes individuals or groups whose involvement in the arts has had a significant impact in terms of achieving provincial, national or international acclaim. Weblink

Canmore, AB – Mayor's Awards for Arts, Culture and Heritage
Awards for outstanding contributions in four categories: Artistic Excellence, Creative Force, Community Builders, and Path to Excellence. Document (PDF, 112K)

Halifax Regional Municipality, NS – Mayor's Award for Achievement in Theatre
Established in 2004, the $1,500 prize recognizes outstanding achievement in theatre by a resident of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Weblink

Hamilton, ON – City of Hamilton Arts Awards
The City of Hamilton Arts Awards are awards of excellence given annually to practicing artists in the Hamilton area who excel in their chosen discipline. They have been given annually since 1976. Weblink

Kitchener-Waterloo, ON – Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Awards
The Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Awards were established in 1986 to recognize all the people who contribute to the the Waterloo region's vibrant cultural fabric – from the creators to the supportive to the corporate supporters. The awards are supported by the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Weblink

Mississauga, ON – Mississauga Art Awards
Administered by the Mississauga Arts Council. Weblink

Nanaimo, BC – City of Nanaimo Cultural Awards
The City of Nanaimo has established two annual awards: the Excellence in Culture Award and The Honour in Culture Award. These awards recognize deserving individuals or groups for their outstanding contribution to culture in Nanaimo. Document (PDF, 697K)

Niagara Falls, ON – Arts & Culture Wall of Fame
In 2006, the Niagara Falls City Council approved the Arts & Culture Wall of Fame initiative to improve the awareness of the arts in our community, as well as recognize some very worthy residents and pieces of art that made Niagara Falls famous. Weblink

Owen Sound, ON - Cultural Awards
The Owen Sound Cultural Awards celebrate excellence in the arts, culture and heritage in the greater Owen Sound area. These awards serve to underline the importance of culture to Owen Sound residents, and to recognize groups and individuals for their outstanding achievement and contributions to the area's cultural vitality. The City of Owen Sound hosts an annual celebration where nominees will be recognized for their contributions and an original work of art is given to the winner in each category. Weblink

Richmond, BC - Arts Awards
The Richmond Arts Awards program recognizes the artistic achievements and contributions to the cultural community by City residents, artists, educators, organizations and business leaders. Weblink. Created in partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition, its purpose is to:
- Honour major contributions by individuals, organizations and business to the arts
- Cultivate greater visibility and understanding of the value of the arts
- Encourage excellence and build new leadership within the arts community
- Develop patrons for the arts

Thunder Bay, ON - Arts & Heritage Awards
The Thunder Bay Arts & Heritage Awards program recognizes groups and individuals in the city who have achieved excellence in their discipline, displayed worthy contributions to enhancing or supporting the arts & heritage community, and continue to play an important role in making Thunder Bay an exciting and beautiful place. Formerly known as the Chronicle-Journal Prizes for Arts and Heritage, this prestigious event has celebrated the accomplishments of established professionals, cultural groups, and emerging youth artists since 2003. In June 2010, the Awards will feature five new categories, many of which recognize the supporters of culture in Thunder Bay, along with those awarded in past programs. Weblink

Toronto, ON – Toronto Arts Council Foundation Awards
The Toronto Arts Council Foundation receives and maintains funds to provide an awards program and to enhance grants programs adjudicated by Toronto Arts Council in support of individual artists and arts organizations working in the City of Toronto. Weblink

Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Arts Awards
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Vancouver, BC – City of Vancouver Cultural Harmony Awards
Established in 1996, the Cultural Harmony Awards recognize individuals and organizations that display a significant and sustained commitment to the promotion of cultural harmony in the City of Vancouver. Weblink

Vancouver, BC – City of Vancouver Heritage Awards
The City of Vancouver Heritage Awards acknowledge the special accomplishments, projects and efforts which have furthered the goal of heritage conservation in the City. Weblink