Nominations open for new Arts and Culture Legacy Award

The inaugural nomination period is now open for the City of Medicine Hat’s newly-created Arts and Culture Legacy Award. Nominations will be accepted until July 15 annually.

The Arts and Culture Legacy Award was created in 2026 to serve as a visual memory of arts and culture contributions and achievements, and to ensure the individuals behind them receive due recognition. 

“Medicine Hat has a rich arts and culture story, shaped by talented artists and dedicated community builders,” said Aaron Nelson, Acting Director of Community Development. “This award ensures those contributions are recognized, celebrated, and preserved as part of our community’s story. We invite the community to submit award nominations and help us honour these remarkable Hatters.”

The award has two induction categories:

• Artist – An artist in any discipline who has made outstanding contributions to the community or received substantial recognition for their art beyond Medicine Hat.
• Culture Builder – Individuals who have made exceptional contributions to life and culture development in the community as champions, supporters, patrons, administrators, teachers and mentors.

Up to five nominees per year may be inducted. Both categories may not be represented annually among award recipients.

The City will host an annual Arts and Culture Legacy Award induction ceremony to honour the newest recipients. The inductees will then be displayed at the Arts and Culture Legacy Gallery at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre. The first induction ceremony is set for January 2027, with further details to be announced at a later date.

View the Arts and Culture Legacy Award webpage to submit nominations, and learn about induction criteria, nomination form requirements, procedures, and more.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca