Craftsperson of the Year Award, sponsored by Lexus Canada
Celebrating the Hands That Shape Our Culture
The Craftsperson of the Year Award, sponsored by Lexus Canada, aims to spotlight the mastery, dedication, innovation, and passion of an experienced craftsperson who has played a meaningful role in the Canadian craft sector. Members of the Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF/FCMA) can nominate candidates for this distinguished $10,000 CAD award.
By honouring a Craftsperson of the Year, we celebrate individual craft mastery and reinforce the importance of craft in our national culture, all while echoing the commitment Lexus makes towards excellence and innovation. The financial support this award provides acknowledges the recipient’s distinguished contributions, empowers them to pass on their knowledge to future generations, and contributes to the ongoing vitality of the craft community.
Criteria
Experience & Expertise:
- Demonstrated mastery and longstanding dedication to craft with a portfolio that reflects traditional skills and innovative approaches.
Impact & Contribution:
- A proven track record of influencing the Canadian craft sector through notable projects, community involvement, or mentorship
- Meaningful contributions that have enriched the cultural landscape, preserving heritage while advancing contemporary craft practices.
Excellence & Recognition:
- Recognition by peers, industry awards, or significant exhibitions that highlight their achievements.
- Evidence of leadership within the craft community, inspiring both current and future makers.
Innovation & Vision:
- A commitment to evolving their practice by exploring new techniques, materials, or methodologies that challenge conventional boundaries.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be professional craftspeople based in Canada with a demonstrated career in their field (minimum of 10 years of practice recommended).
- Nominations must be submitted by a CCF/FCMA member organization (Craft Council or Affiliate in good standing).
- To ensure regional representation, invited organizations outside of CCF/FCMA membership may be permitted to nominate, by invitation only.
- Current CCF/FCMA Board members are not eligible
- Nominees must agree to be nominated prior to submission.
Nomination Requirements
Each nomination package must include:
- Completed Nomination Form (see below)
- Letter of Nomination (maximum 750 words) that answers:
- What distinguishes the nominee’s craft practice?
- How has their work impacted the Canadian craft community or beyond?
- How do they embody innovation and mastery within their field?
- In what ways do they mentor, collaborate, or advocate for others in the craft community?
- CV outlining career achievements, exhibitions, collections, awards, and teaching or community engagement.
- Portfolio of 10 images (recommended dimensions is maximum 1920 pixels on the longest side. Images should be saved in JPEG format and ideally have a file size of max 2 MB) or short video clips (max 2 minutes total) of the nominee’s work.
Optional: One letter of support from a peer, curator, or community collaborator.
All nominations materials must be submitted to:
jennifer@canadiancraftsfederation.ca
Or mailed to:
Canadian Crafts Federation / Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art
Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue, Suite 280, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2