In 2007, Visual Arts Nova Scotia established an awards program. At our 30th anniversary party we inducted the founding members of Visual Arts Nova Scotia to the Honour Roll. The Honour Roll recognizing the distinguished lifetime contribution to the visual arts in Nova Scotia by individuals, groups or organizations. The following year we added three cash awards to the program, Outstanding Year, Art Educator and Emerging Artist. Outstanding Year celebrates a visual artist who has enjoyed an exceptional year, with much artistic growth, at least one exhibition and critical recognition. Art Educator of the Year celebrates an individual who demonstrates an exceptional contribution and commitment to arts education.  Emerging Artist of the Year recognizes an emerging artist who, in the early stages of his career, demonstrates exceptional talent and accomplishments as well as a unique artistic expression and a commitment to the arts.

Since 2010, the VANS Awards program has been on hiatus.
Click here for a listing of previous award winners.

If you are interested in sponsoring the VANS Awards program, please contact us.

 

OUTSTANDING YEAR

Definition: This award celebrates a visual artist who has enjoyed an exceptional year with much artistic growth, at least one exhibition and critical recognition. The jury will be considering an artist’s activities for the preceding calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.

Eligibility: Nominations will be open to all permanent residents of Nova Scotia who have resided in the province for at least 12 months previous to date of application. Visual artists must be professionals as defined by the International Association of Art and adopted by the Canadian Artists’ Representation (CARFAC). Students are not eligible. Nominations received are reviewed by VANS to confirm eligibility.

Nominations: Accredited Nova Scotia arts organizations and members of the general public are eligible to nominate one person. Permission from the nominee is mandatory.

All applications must be accompanied by the following support materials:

  • a completed nomination form.
  • a 1-page letter stating the reasons for the nomination
  • the artist’s CV
  • 10-20 images in JPEG format only (no slides or photographs will be accepted), OR 10-20 minutes of video on VHS tape or DVD for video art and real-time art documentation (1 minute of video equals 1 still image/JPEG). Original artwork will not be accepted.

Note: you may choose to include no more than three additional pieces of support material (press clippings, reviews, critical writing, catalogues, etc.). Please keep in mind when submitting materials that they must be photocopied for the jury.

Voting and Selection: The recipient of the Outstanding Year Award will be selected by an independent awards jury comprised of visual arts professionals representing provincial perspectives. All jury’s decisions will be final.

Deadline for nominations: Not accepting applications at this time.

 

ART EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Definition: This award celebrates an individual who demonstrates an exceptional contribution and commitment to arts education. Nominees can work in the public/private school system, post secondary programs, extra–curricular and after school programs, special projects or private classes.

Eligibility: Nominations will be open to all permanent residents of Nova Scotia who have resided in the province for at least 12 months previous to date of application. Nominations received are reviewed by VANS to confirm eligibility.

Nominations: Accredited Nova Scotia arts organizations, schools, students and members of the general public are eligible to nominate one person. Permission from the nominee is mandatory.

All applications must be accompanied by relevant support materials:

  • a completed nomination form.
  • a 1 page letter stating the reasons for the nomination
  • the nominee’s CV
  • adequate support material (slides, photographs, compact discs, DVDs, recent reviews, etc.) is mandatory and will inform the jury’s discussions.
  • 1-2 letters of support for the nominee.

Voting and Selection: The recipient of the Art Educator of the Year Award will be selected by an independent awards jury comprised of visual arts professionals representing provincial perspectives. All jury’s decisions will be final.

Deadline for nominations: Not accepting applications at this time.

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Definition: This award recognizes an emerging artist who, in the early stages of his/her career, demonstrates exceptional talent and accomplishments as well as a unique artistic expression and a commitment to the arts in NS . The Canada Council’s definition of an emerging artist will be used and is defined as someone who has specialized training in the field (not necessarily in academic institutions) and has shown a sustained commitment to the development of artistic skills and is in the beginning of a professional career (less than 5 years).

Eligibility: Nominations will be open to all permanent residents of Nova Scotia who have resided in the province for at least 12 months previous to date of application. Visual artists must be professionals as defined by the International Association of Art and adopted by the Canadian Artists’ Representation (CARFAC). Students are not eligible. Nominations received are reviewed by VANS to confirm eligibility.

Nominations: Accredited Nova Scotia arts organizations and members of the general public are eligible to nominate one person. Permission from the nominee is mandatory.

All applications must be accompanied by relevant support materials:

  • a completed nomination form.
  • a 1 page letter stating the reasons for the nomination.
  • the artist’s CV
  • 10-20 images in JPEG format only (no slides or photographs will be accepted), OR 10-20 minutes of video on VHS tape or DVD for video art and real-time art documentation (1 minute of video equals 1 still image/JPEG). Original artwork will not be accepted.

Note: you may choose to include no more than three additional pieces of support material (press clippings, reviews, critical writing, catalogues, etc.). Please keep in mind when submitting materials that they must be photocopied for the jury.

Voting and Selection: The recipient of the Emerging Artist of the Year Award will be selected by an independent awards jury comprised of visual arts professionals representing provincial perspectives. All jury’s decisions will be final.

Deadline for nominations: Not accepting applications at this time.



THE VANS HONOUR ROLL

Definition: The VANS Honour Roll recognizes the distinguished lifetime contribution to the visual arts in Nova Scotia by individuals, groups or organizations.

Eligibility: There is no residency requirement for the VANS Honour Roll, and the nominee does not have to be a native Nova Scotian.

Nominations: Accredited Nova Scotia arts organizations and members of the general public are eligible to nominate one person. All applications must be accompanied by relevant support materials:

  • a completed nomination form.
  • a 1 page letter stating the reasons for the nomination.

Voting and Selection: An independent jury comprised of visual arts professionals representing provincial perspectives will create a shortlist and final selections will be made by the VANS Board of Directors. All decisions will be final. Honour Roll appointments may be made posthumously.

Deadline for nominations: Not accepting applications at this time.

Note: VANS Board members are not eligible for award nominations. VANS reserves the right not to allocate an award if the nominations submitted do not meet the excellence criteria of the program.