• be working in the arts sector for a not-for-profit arts organization as an artist, arts administrator and/or executive
• have made a significant contribution to the arts by building relationships between the arts sector, business community and public sector
• be a Canadian citizen

• any not-for-profit arts organization in Canada
• another arts administrator or artist
• a business professional
• Self-nomination

• executives and board members of arts organizations
• artists
• public sector professionals
• business professionals

1). The nominator must submit a letter (750 words maximum) that explicitly outlines how the candidate has spent their career dedicated to fostering the arts in Canada.

• Candidates’ leadership may have affected a diversity of arts organizations in the community or be demonstrated by a longstanding commitment to one particular organization. Similarly, the candidate may be known nationally or only in the community in which the individual lives, with consideration given to depth and breadth of support in relation to the size of the community in which the support has been given.

The letter should address the following three questions, with specific examples to support the statements:

• How has the nominee demonstrated leadership in the arts? (i.e. inspiring change, recruiting volunteers, assuming key responsibilities).
• How has the nominee helped to achieve the arts organization’s goals?
• In what other ways has this individual contributed to the arts organization?

2). A bio or CV (can be submitted in English and/or French)

3). Headshot and up to five (5) photos that showcase their leadership in the arts (photos should be jpeg/png at least 1500 pixels wide).

4). Letters of endorsement from third parties. Maximum of 3 letters (500 words max/letter)

• time committed to voluntary work for the arts
• expertise actively put to good use for the arts
• money committed to the cause through personal donations and fundraising

*Please note, the arts organizations must be Canadian and a registered not for profit.  

• be a young leader from any sector (business, technology, arts or other) 
• have made a significant impact as a leader and volunteer to the not-for-profit arts in Canada
• be a Canadian citizen

• registered not-for-profit arts, cultural or heritage organization in Canada
• the nominee’s employer or business associate
• self-nomination

• executive staff and board members of other arts organizations
• individual artists
• executives of other companies

1) A nomination letter (750 words max) that explicitly outlines the nominee’s outstanding contribution(s) to the Canadian arts and culture sector.

The letter should provide specific examples to support how the nominee has:

• Made a positive impact on a broad range of arts organizations, a single organization, or a specific arts discipline, either within their community or on a national scale.
• Facilitated meaningful change with measurable results.
• Built enduring and effective partnerships to drive change.
• Demonstrated leadership in a volunteer capacity, or in combination with a paid role, distinctly enhancing the arts sector.

Eligible candidates must:

• be a business operating in Canada
• have made a significant contribution to the arts through long-term, strategic support
• has had a meaningful impact on empowering and building the arts sector

• any not-for-profit arts organizations in Canada
• any company in Canada

• executive staff and board members of other arts organizations
• a consortium of arts organizations

Nominators must complete an official nomination with the following:

1) A nomination letter (500 words max) that explicitly outlines how the business organization has strengthened arts and culture in Canada through its long-standing support of and commitment to the sector.

The letter should provide specific examples to support the following:

• the nominee has distinguished themselves as leaders in support of the arts either through a consistent history of commitment
• the scope of impact and support extends beyond the company’s immediate business interests
• the nominee has shown a visionary and innovative approach to championing the arts
• the nominee’s history of support includes but is not limited to cash or in-kind gifts, donated services, volunteerism and employee participation
• the nominee has cultivated long-term and successful relationships and partnerships with individuals and/or organizations in the arts community
• the nominee has significantly improved the arts community with measurable results
• the nominee has a long-term vision for continued growth and impact

2) A one-page company profile of the nominated business organization (can be submitted in English and/or French)

3) A colour logo for the business organization and up to five (5) photos that showcase the nominee’s success

4) Up to three (3) letters of endorsement from third parties. 

Selection Process:

Nominees are assessed and a recipient is selected by a national selection committee comprised of prominent arts and business leaders. Committee members may not submit nominations in the year in which they serve on the committee.

Recipients will be notified by Business / Arts by an official confirmation letter.

If you have any questions about the award categories or submission process, please contact info@businessforthearts.org

• be a not-for-profit arts organization and their business partner
• have made a significant contribution to the arts through a successful collaboration with business
• have shown a commitment to empowering the community through the arts
• be a Canadian organization

• any not-for-profit arts organization in Canada
• any company in Canada

Nominators must complete an official nomination with the following:

1) A nomination letter (500 words max) that explicitly outlines the partnership between the nominated business and the nominating arts organization.

The letter should provide specific examples to support how the nominees have demonstrated the following:

• Impact on both arts and culture and the community
• Program innovation and/or outstanding business practices
• Cultivated long-term and successful relationships and partnerships within the community
• Created greater awareness and significantly improved the community with measurable results
• Have a long-term vision for continued growth and impact

2) A one-page company profile of the nominated arts organization (can be submitted in English and/or French)

3) A one-page company profile of the nominated business organization (can be submitted in English and/or French)

4) A colour logo for each organization and up to five (5) photos that showcase the partnership

5) Up to three (3) letters of endorsement from third parties.

• be an individual or a couple that has made a significant contribution to the arts as a volunteer
• be a Canadian citizen

• any not-for-profit arts organizations in Canada
• any company in Canada

• executive staff and board members of other arts organizations
• individual artists
• executives of companies

*Due to the high volume of nominations received for the 2023 & 2024 Edmund C. Bovey Award, Business / Arts will not be accepting new nominations for the 2025 Edmund C. Bovey Award.

Nominators must complete an official nomination with the following:

1) A letter (750 words maximum) that explicitly outlines how the nominee has demonstrated a lifetime of significant philanthropy and/or volunteer leadership in arts and culture in Canada.

The letter should address the following three questions, with specific examples to support statements made:

• How has the nominee demonstrated a lifetime of leadership in the arts? (i.e. inspiring change, recruiting volunteers, assuming key responsibilities, serving on boards).
• How have the nominee’s philanthropic contributions supported the Canadian arts and culture sector?  
• How has the nominee strengthened the Canadian arts and culture sector?  

2) A one-page bio or CV (can be submitted in English and/or French)

3) Headshot and up to five (5) photos that showcase their impact

4) Up to three (3) Letters of endorsement from third parties

• time committed to voluntary work for the arts
• expertise actively put to good use for the arts
• money committed to the cause through personal donations and fundraising