Excellence in Culture Award
Presented to an organization or individual that has achieved regional and/or national recognition in the field of arts and is recognized as a “Nanaimo Artist,” has demonstrated excellence in their field, and is a significant inspiration to others. Past recipients include David Gogo (2010), Steve Jones (2011), Jillian Vanstone (2012), Vancouver Island Symphony (2013), Pat Coleman (2014), Grant Leier & Nixie Barton (2015), Susan Juby (2016), Jacqui Kaese (2017), Rick Scott (2018), Devon Joiner (2020) and Ay Lelum (2021).
Honour in Culture Award
Presented to an individual, group or corporation known for their dedication and support of the development of Nanaimo’s cultural sector. Past recipients of this award include Holly Bright (2010), Sandra Thomson (2011), Marian Smith (2012), Eveline O’Rourke (2013), Ian Niamath (2014), Arlene Blundell (2015), Debbie Trueman (2016), Gerda Hofman (2017), William Good (2018), Dean Chadwick (2019), Trish & Geoff Horrocks (2020), Christine Whitelaw (2021) and Marianne Turley (2021).
Emerging Cultural Leader Award
Recognizes up-and-coming, Nanaimo-based cultural leaders. This award targets individuals under 30 years of age who have contributed significantly to the cultural life in Nanaimo. Recipients must be recognized by their peers and the community as a whole, to have given distinguished service in arts and culture and / or have been recognized for excellence in an arts or cultural field. Past recipients include Shayd Johnson (2014), Amanda Scott (2015), Alyssa Glassford (2016), Nico Rhodes (2019), Patrick Aleck (2020), and Elliot White-Hill (2021).
Honour in Heritage Award
Presented to an individual, group or corporation who demonstrates outstanding support, advocacy, promotion or interpretation of Nanaimo’s heritage and history. This is a new award category created in 2018. Past recipients of this award include Jan Peterson (2018), Nanaimo Historical Society (2019) and Gary & Adam Manson (2020).
John Thomson Heritage Memorial Award
Created in 1994 to honour individuals who demonstrate outstanding heritage service and dedication to the community. Past recipients of the award include Catherine Gisborne (1994), Elizabeth Norcross (1996), Daphne Patterson (2001), Pamela Mar (2003), David Spearing (2004), Clarence Karr (2005), Gino Sedola (2007), Parker Williams (2009), John Cass (2011), Jill Stannard (2013), and John Hofman (2016).