RELEASE: Finalists announced for 40th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards
Nov 19, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Finalists announced for 40th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards
November 19, 2025 (St. John’s, NL) – ArtsNL is pleased to announce the finalists for the 40th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards.
This annual event is a celebration of the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Artists of all disciplines are recognized through the presentation of six awards.
Patron of the Arts Award – Recognizes a person, business, or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador through innovative, community, or sustained support of artistic activity. The finalists are:
- Business and Arts NL
- Perfect Day
- Greg Smith
Emerging Artist Award – Recognizes new and undisputed talent. It is awarded to an emerging artist, group, or arts organization that has earned significant recognition for their professional artistic practice. The finalists are:
- Melissa Francis
- Matt Perrier
- Brianna Russell
Arts in Education Award – Recognizes an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to arts in education in Newfoundland and Labrador over a number of years. The finalists are:
- Sherry Crowley
- Meghan Herder
- Jamie Miller
Hall of Honour Award – Recognizes a person, group, or organization that has made a distinguished lifetime contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador. The finalists are:
- Tim Borlase
- The Ennis Sisters
- Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra
Artist Achievement Award – Given annually to a practicing artist who has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador over a number of years. The finalists are:
- Gary Collins
- Toby Rabinowitz
- Nelson White
Artist of the Year Award – Recognizes the art or activity of a person, group, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2024. The finalists are:
- April Allen
- Sharon King-Campbell
- Melissa Tremblett
The recipients will be announced during an awards ceremony at Government House on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Finalists will receive an email invitation with further details.
Nominations for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards are submitted by the public and assessed by an independent multidisciplinary selection committee. ArtsNL does not select the finalists or recipients. Full details on award categories and eligibility are available here.
Media enquiries:
Charlene Jackson
Communications Officer, ArtsNL
(709) 726-2212 ext. 3
charlene@artsnl.ca
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (ArtsNL) is a non-profit Crown agency created in 1980 by The Arts Council Act. Its mission is to foster and promote the creation and enjoyment of the arts for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The Council is governed by a volunteer board of no fewer than 9 and no more than 11 members appointed by Government. At least 7 members must be artists or arts administrators, and one member is appointed to represent the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation (non-voting). ArtsNL receives an annual allocation of $5.3 million from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to support a variety of granting programs, program delivery, office administration, and communications. It also seeks support from the public and private sectors. It supports the following artistic disciplines: dance, film and video, Indigenous arts and practices, literary arts, multidisciplinary arts, music and sound, theatre and performing arts, visual arts, and other similar creative and interpretative works or activities.
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