The FANS Distinguished Artist Award honours local artists who have successfully created a substantial, nationally recognized body of artist work.  Artists who receive the Award join a distinguished list of local artists recognized as the North Shore’s Artistic Legacy .  This creative legacy bears witness to the heights that are achieved when artists follow their dreams and in turn sparks inspiration for the next generation of aspiring artists.  

How to Nominate

FANS encourages you to NOMINATE a deserving artist today. Since 1995, artists have received the FANS Distinguished Artist Award in all disciplines - visual arts, music, performing, indigenous, literary and new media. Nominations for this prestigious award are accepted at any time. Please click on the link below for more instructions on how to nominate. FANS encourages you to nominate a deserving North Shore artist today!

Eligibility - Candidates Must:
* Be a living resident of the North Shore. (+ Lions Bay & Bowen Island)
* Have a substantial and nationally and/or internationally recognized body of artistic work.

Nomination Procedure
* Download the fillable  PDF Nomination Form using the red button above.
* Save your completed form, and email to  fansawards@gmail.com.
* Deadline is April 30, 2026 (to be eligible for the 2026 presentation).
* Submissions received after the deadline will be saved and considered for future years.

Presentation of Award
Distinguished Artists are publicly honoured at the annual FANS Tribute to the Arts gala held each year in November. Winners receive a custom one of a kind sculptural award and are recognized as contributing to North Shore’s artistic legacy.