Apply Now: Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prizes

Deadline: 07-Oct-2026

The Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prizes recognize distinguished Canadian individuals who have made substantial and sustained contributions to the arts or the social sciences and humanities. Two prizes are awarded each year—one in the arts and one in the social sciences and humanities—with each recipient receiving $50,000. Eligible candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, must have demonstrated significant achievement over an extended period, and must remain active in their careers. Candidates cannot nominate themselves; nominations must be submitted by an eligible individual or organization. Overview of the Molson Prizes The Molson Prizes are prestigious Canadian awards established through an endowment from The Molson Foundation. They are administered by the Canada Council for the Arts in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The prizes recognize individuals whose careers have made a significant contribution to Canada’s: The prizes are designed to recognize exceptional achievement while encouraging recipients to continue contributing to Canadian cultural and intellectual life. Encouragement for continued professional contribution. Greater visibility for important Canadian artistic and intellectual work. The prize also highlights the importance of both artistic creativity and scholarship in Canada’s cultural development. How the Nomination Process Works

Step 1: Identify a Suitable Candidate

Consider an individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in either: The arts, or The social sciences and humanities.

Step 2: Confirm Canadian Eligibility

The candidate should be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must be living as of the nomination deadline.

Step 3: Assess Sustained Achievement

Review the candidate’s professional record and identify evidence of substantial achievement over an extended period.

Step 4: Demonstrate Ongoing Activity

Show that the candidate remains active and continues to contribute to their field.

Step 5: Secure a Nominator

Because self-nominations are not permitted, the candidate must be nominated by an eligible individual or organization.

Step 6: Prepare the Nomination

The nomination should clearly explain why the candidate deserves recognition.

It should focus on:

Major achievements. Long-term contributions. Influence. Distinction within the field. Contribution to Canadian cultural or intellectual life. Continued professional activity.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

The nominator should ensure that the complete nomination is submitted by the applicable nomination deadline. Tips for a Strong Nomination Focus on Long-Term Impact The strongest nominations should demonstrate how the candidate’s work has influenced their field over time. Provide Specific Evidence Avoid relying on general praise. Clearly identify important achievements and explain their significance. Explain the Canadian Contribution Connect the candidate’s work to Canada’s broader cultural or intellectual heritage. Demonstrate Distinction Explain what makes the candidate’s contribution exceptional compared with others working in the field. Show Continued Activity Clearly demonstrate that the candidate remains professionally active and able to make further contributions. Common Mistakes to Avoid Submitting a Self-Nomination Candidates cannot nominate themselves. Focusing on Only One Achievement The prize recognizes sustained contributions, so nominations should present a broader career record. Ignoring Canadian Eligibility The candidate must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must be living as of the nomination deadline. Providing Only Career History A list of positions, awards, or publications is not enough. Explain the significance and impact of the candidate’s contributions. Failing to Demonstrate Continued Activity Candidates must remain active in their careers. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are the Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prizes? The Molson Prizes recognize distinguished individuals who have made substantial and sustained contributions to Canada’s arts or social sciences and humanities. How many prizes are awarded each year? Two prizes are awarded annually—one in the arts and one in the social sciences and humanities. How much is each prize worth? Each recipient receives $50,000. Who is eligible to receive a Molson Prize? Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, living as of the nomination deadline, who have demonstrated significant achievement over a sustained period and remain active in their careers. Can individuals nominate themselves? No. Self-nominations are not permitted. Candidates must be nominated by an individual or organization. What type of achievement does the prize recognize? The prize recognizes distinguished and sustained contributions to Canada’s cultural or intellectual heritage rather than a single isolated accomplishment. Who administers the Molson Prizes? The prizes are administered by the Canada Council for the Arts in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Conclusion The Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prizes are prestigious Canadian awards recognizing individuals with distinguished and sustained careers in the arts or social sciences and humanities. Each year, two recipients receive $50,000, providing both national recognition and encouragement for continued contributions. Strong candidates should demonstrate significant long-term achievement, influence within their field, contribution to Canada’s cultural or intellectual heritage, and continued professional activity. Because self-nominations are not allowed, eligible candidates must be put forward by an individual or organization.