Organizer Information
The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) is the provincial funding and advocacy body for the arts in Manitoba, Canada, established in 1965 to foster creativity, cultural vitality, and artistic excellence across the region. As an arm’s-length agency of the Government of Manitoba, MAC supports thousands of artists, organizations, and communities annually through grants, programs, and recognition initiatives like the Recognize – Prizes program. This includes awards that celebrate Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, professional artists, and cultural leaders, emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in amplifying underrepresented voices. With a legacy of honoring trailblazers—such as 2025 recipient Ken Gregory for his innovative sound and performance work—MAC drives the province’s vibrant arts ecosystem, investing over $10 million yearly to nurture imagination, resourcefulness, and community impact. Through platforms like Manipogo, its online system, MAC streamlines access for creators, ensuring broad participation in celebrating Manitoba’s rich cultural tapestry, from urban Winnipeg galleries to rural Indigenous storytelling traditions.
Title & Description
2026 Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction
This prestigious nomination-based award seeks to honor the exceptional lifetime achievements and contributions of a Manitoba-based artist, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, or arts/cultural professional in any discipline. The purpose is to spotlight excellence, innovation, and lasting influence within the province’s arts community, fostering public appreciation for the resourcefulness and imagination that define Manitoba’s creative spirit. Nominees are recognized for their body of work that enriches cultural life, whether through groundbreaking performances, literary legacies, visual masterpieces, or community-driven initiatives. As part of MAC’s Recognize – Prizes program, it builds on a tradition of elevating diverse talents, like past honorees Di Brandt (2023, for poetry bridging Mennonite heritage and global themes) and Daina Warren (2022, for curatorial leadership in Indigenous arts). Participants—through nominators—experience the joy of championing peers, contributing to a narrative of artistic resilience amid challenges like funding gaps and cultural preservation, ultimately inspiring future generations to engage deeply with Manitoba’s evolving artistic landscape.
Categories
Open to all artistic disciplines, including but not limited to: Visual Arts, Performing Arts (dance, theatre, music), Literary Arts, Media Arts (film, digital), Crafts and Design, Indigenous Knowledge Practices, Curatorial and Cultural Administration.
Eligibility
Nominees must be professional artists, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, or arts/cultural professionals primarily working and residing in Manitoba, Canada, with a demonstrated history of outstanding contributions to the local or broader arts ecosystem. Self-nominations are not permitted; nominators can be individuals, groups, or organizations (e.g., peers, colleagues, arts collectives) provided there is no conflict of interest, such as direct familial or professional affiliations that could bias the process. No age restrictions apply, welcoming emerging to established figures; past recipients span generations, from young innovators to lifelong practitioners. International ties are acceptable if the primary impact is in Manitoba, prioritizing those advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts.
Program Benefits & Awards
The recipient receives a $30,000 cash prize, symbolizing profound recognition of their career-defining work, along with a formal presentation ceremony, media spotlight in provincial outlets, and archival inclusion in MAC’s hall of laureates. Benefits extend to enhanced professional visibility—past winners like Jennine Krauchi (2024, for literary and community arts) report increased commissioning opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship roles. Nominees and their advocates gain indirect perks, such as networking within MAC’s ecosystem and potential pathways to further grants. This award not only validates decades of dedication but also amplifies the recipient’s influence, enabling sustained projects that benefit Manitoba’s cultural fabric, from Indigenous language revitalization to experimental multimedia installations.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Nominee details: Full name, contact information, bio (up to 500 words) highlighting key achievements, influences, and Manitoba connections.
- Support letters: At least two (max three) from nominators or references, each 300-500 words, detailing the nominee’s impact, innovation, and significance (one may be from the primary nominator).
- Portfolio/CV: Comprehensive resume (2-5 pages) and 5-10 samples of work (images, excerpts, links; digital formats preferred, under 10MB total).
- Optional: Media clips, testimonials, or evidence of community engagement to underscore broader contributions.
All materials must demonstrate professional caliber and alignment with Manitoba’s arts values.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
Notification Date: Spring 2026
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Additional Details
The selection jury comprises diverse arts experts, prioritizing holistic impact over single works, with a focus on equity-deserving artists (e.g., Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled creators). MAC adheres to the Canada Council for the Arts’ ethical guidelines, ensuring confidentiality and unbiased review. Learn from past winners’ stories on the site for inspiration—e.g., Alan Greyeyes (2020) for theatre bridging urban Indigenous narratives. Queries to prizes@artscouncil.mb.ca. This award underscores Manitoba’s role as a cultural hub, inviting nominators to reflect on how one artist’s journey inspires collective progress in a province where arts contribute $1.2 billion to the economy annually.
Website Link: https://artscouncil.mb.ca/2025/10/call-for-nominations-2026-manitoba-arts-award-of-distinction/
