2026 Recipients

RECIPIENT DIRECTORY

Canadian artists and volunteers have received Governor General's Performing Arts Awards since 1992. Canadians are recognized from a variety of disciplines for lifetime achievements; having had an extraordinary performance year or for voluntarism in the performing arts. Get to know more about the outstanding laureates of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

Disclaimer: All biographical details correct at the time of the honour.

The Awards

Lifetime Artistic Achievement

Recognizes artists for their outstanding body of work and enduring contribution to the performing arts in Canada. These national awards are presented in the categories of Stages (formerly Theatre), Dance, Classical Music, Popular Music and Screens and Voices (formerly Broadcasting and Film). Nominations for this category are open to the public.

Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for
Voluntarism in the Performing Arts

The Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing arts recognizes outstanding contribution by an individual or group in voluntary service to the performing arts in Canada made without direct or indirect financial or other compensation. The award is also nominated by the general public.

National Arts Centre Award

Recognizes work of an extraordinary nature and significance in the performing arts by an individual artist and/or company in the past performance year. Recipients are selected by the National Arts Centre.