Governor General's Performing Arts Awards

Eligibility

Nominations for the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards are made by members of the general public.

The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards celebrate achievement in all forms of the performing arts in Canada, including Dance, Stages (formerly theatre), Popular Music (i.e.: Jazz, Rock, Folk), Classical Music, and Screens and Voices (formerly Broadcasting / Film). The Award for Lifetime Achievement is granted to established Canadian artists who have made a marked contribution to the performing arts in Canada, and in some cases, internationally, and who have developed a significant body of work.

Please note that each nomination is viable for three years (meaning it is presented to the juries for three cycles). If the nomination is not successful after this time, the Foundation will be directly in touch with you about making a renewal. We are happy to accept updated nominations during the three-year period should your candidate experience a major achievement in that time.

Screens and Voices
Notice: pursuant to a review by the GGPAA Foundation board of directors, it was determined that the category of Broadcasting and Film should be called Screens and Voices and will capture all aspects of screens, films shown in cinemas, streaming, podcasting, and traditional broadcasting such as radio and television.
 
Stages
Notice: Pursuant to a review by the GGPAA Foundation board of directors, it was determined that the category of Theatre should be renamed to create a more encompassing understanding of who may be considered for the Award. The category will now be called Stages and will include, but not be limited to, traditional theatre, experimental theatre, comedy, improv, puppetry, circus and similar live performances. Please note it does not include live musical performances. All concert considerations will take place in the Classical Music and Popular Music categories.

Summary

The Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement is given to established Canadian artists who have made a marked contribution to the performing arts in Canada, and in some cases, internationally, and have developed a significant body of work.

The awards are conferred in the following five categories:
 

• Screens and Voices (previously called broadcasting/film)
• Classical Music
• Dance
• Popular Music
• Stages (previously called theatre) 

Each recipient receives a cash award of $25,000 provided by the Canada Council for the Arts and a commemorative medallion provided by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

A complete nomination must be submitted to the Foundation by completing the online form, by mail, email or fax. If submitting your nomination by email, please forward all required documents as attachments with your cover message. A complete nomination package consists of three parts:

1. The nomination form. You must fully complete the proper nomination form and include it in your package. If you do not have contact information for the nominee, please leave the line blank.
2. The supporting statement. OPTIONAL. You may provide a description of why you are nominating this individual or group.
3. The biography. Please provide biographical details about the nominee. Materials sourced online are acceptable. Sample biography.

Additional letters of support are not required and will not be submitted to the juries.
Submissions provided in both official languages (English and French) are greatly appreciated.

Important to note: Incomplete nominations will not be submitted for consideration. Materials must not be bound (e.g., stapled, Cerlox or spiral bound) to ensure ease of copying. Please note that the Foundation will not return any submitted materials.

All Award nomination documentation submitted becomes the property of the Foundation and, except for personal information protected by the Privacy Act, may be used in any publicity or promotion accompanying the Awards.