Emerging Craftsperson Award, sponsored by Lexus
Crafting Tomorrow
The Emerging Craftsperson Award, sponsored by Lexus Canada, celebrates an emerging craftsperson in the Canadian craft sector whose innovative spirit and fresh perspective are reshaping our cultural landscape and redefining traditional craftsmanship. Members of the Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF/FCMA) can nominate candidates for this distinguished $10,000 CAD award.
By providing essential financial support, the award empowers the recipient to explore new techniques, experiment with innovative materials, and push creative boundaries. With its focus on contemporary methods and sustainable practices, this initiative not only fuels artistic development but also recognizes the critical role craft plays in building a better future for the environment and for society. It reflects the commitment Lexus makes towards excellence, precision, and building an electrified future while ensuring the next generation of craft innovators is well-equipped to make a lasting impact on the craft community.
Criteria
Rising Talent:
- An emerging artist at the early stages of their career with a distinctive creative vision and a promising body of work.
Innovative Approach:
- Demonstrates originality in design, technique, or materials, offering fresh perspectives that push the boundaries of traditional craft.
Potential for Growth:
- Evidence of creative investment and the potential for significant impact on the craft sector, with a willingness to experiment and evolve.
Cultural Relevance:
- Work that resonates with contemporary audiences and expands connections to the rich traditions of Canadian craft.
Commitment to Craft:
- An evident passion for craft, underscored by ongoing learning, or community engagement that points to a vibrant future in the craft world.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be emerging craftspeople based in Canada who are in the early to mid stages of their career (generally within the first 5 years of professional practice).
- 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.
- Undergraduate and graduate students 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 500 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 within their field?
- In what ways do they mentor, collaborate, advocate for others or engage 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 nomination 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