Molson Prizes - 2026
The Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.
This pre-call framework is based on previous Molson Prize competitions and is subject to change based on updates from the Canadian Council for the Arts.
Presented by the Canada Council for the Arts, two Molson Prizes valued at $50,000 each are awarded annually to encourage continuing contributions to Canada's cultural and intellectual heritage. One is given in the arts, and one in the social sciences or humanities.
The Canada Council is committed to equity and inclusion, and encourages applications and nominations from culturally diverse, deaf, disability and official language minority artists, groups and organizations.
Eligibility
These prizes are for individual candidates. Nominees must:
- be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, but do not need to be residing in Canada.
- be living as of the nomination deadline.
- must have made a substantial and distinguished contribution over a significant period
- still be active and productive in their careers
Nomination Process
A complete nomination package will consist of:
- The nomination form
- Letter of nomination containing original signature (2 pages) that includes a brief description of the nature of the nominee’s distinguished contributions to their field, including why they should be considered for the prize
- One-page biography of the candidate, summarizing education, achievements, professional activities, and honours or awards received
- Nominee's CV (10 pages maximum)
- Three original signed letters of support from experts in the field (2-4 pages each)
- A maximum of three support items (max 4 pages each) from sources other than the nominee; e.g., articles, reviews, commentaries, and promotional items
Assessment:
Nominations will be evaluated based the following weighted criteria:
Merit (50%)
- the quality of the candidate’s overall career achievements and where appropriate, the international stature of the candidate
Impact (50%)
- the scope of the candidate’s contributions to the cultural or intellectual heritage of Canada, taking into account the context of their artistic discipline or academic field of study
- evidence of the candidate’s outstanding commitment, creativity and efforts to share research and knowledge beyond the artistic or academic community, the candidate’s contributions towards a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive society
Program Resources
EDID Resources
Dedicated support and resources for Indigenous research and Equity Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization in research are available through the Inclusive Research Excellence and Impact team. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or book a consultation. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact the team early for determination and support.
Submission
Submit your nomination package through the Canada Council of the Arts portal (pending).
Deadline(s)
Internal Notice of Intent (NOI) to Nominate: August 1, 2025
Email rwprizes@uwo.ca if you wish to have Western Research support and coordination of your application
The final submission deadline for the 2025 Molson Prizes: October 5, 2025.
Contact
Potential nominators and nominees are encouraged to contact Research Awards & Distinctions at rwprizes@uwo.ca regarding Western Research support and coordination of your nomination.
