Nominate your favourite artist for a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award

An artist sings on stage while musicians play in the orchestra pit below.
Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards © George Pimentel Photography

We all know that one of Canada’s best exports is its immense talent in the performing arts. Around the world and here at home, people turn to the arts and our artists in times of celebration and as a balm during uncertainty.  

Since 1992, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) have honoured more than 250 laureates in popular and classical music, dance, stages, screens and voices, and voluntarism in the arts. Did you know that it’s up to you to nominate your artistic heroes to this award? The GGPAA jury only considers nominations put forward by the public!

Nominating can be as simple as a few clicks and steps such as attaching a wiki biography. The jury also welcomes letters of support about how, for example, a particular artist speaks to your truth or evokes joy for you in times of hardship. You can let the jury in on how the artist’s words, movement, music, or acting is seared into your mind for a reason known only to you.

We also see the unsung heroes – the volunteers who give tirelessly to support the performing arts in their community. For the Ramon John Hnatyshyn (RJH) Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts, you can recommend someone working behind the scenes, providing financial support, or a combination of both, to bring performing arts to your community.

The GGPAA honours artists who reflect our rich and vast land, language heritage and cultural diversity. Visit us online to see past winners and to send your favourite artists a virtual standing O!

Nominations are welcome throughout the year, but the deadline for consideration for the 2026 laureates is December 11, 2024. Nominate your favourite artist, volunteer or arts supporter today!


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