MASC Arts Awards

The 2026 MASC Arts Awards celebrated passionate and creative students in Grades 6–9 for their artistic excellence during a memorable evening on April 21, 2026, at the National Arts Centre.

Hosted by former Ottawa Poet Laureate Jamaal Amir Akbari, the gala brought together students, families, educators, and community leaders—including Ottawa’s Deputy Mayor and City Councillors—to honour the next generation of artists in the National Capital Region. The evening featured inspiring live performances, including a jazz set by Juno Award-winning artist Kellylee Evans and a First Nations hoop dance by Makhena Rankin Guerin.

Recipients were awarded year-long scholarships in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and literary arts with some of Ottawa’s leading arts organizations. Five nominating teachers were also recognized with a free workshop for their classroom.

Supporting the Next Step in Their Artistic Journey

Winners of the 2026 MASC Arts Awards received year-long scholarships to study their chosen art form with top organizations such as:

  • Allegro Music School
  • Ottawa School of Art
  • The School of Dance
  • Ottawa Children’s Theatre
  • Literary Arts Mentorship – one-on-one mentorship with a professional author

In addition, three students were honoured with special literary awards:

  • The Jennifer Cayley Award
  • The Jan Andrews Literary Award
  • The Molly Ellens Award
Why It Mattered

Since 1999, the MASC Arts Awards have celebrated the extraordinary creativity of Ottawa’s youth. For many students, the awards marked their first opportunity to receive professional arts training, mentorship, and meaningful recognition for their passion.

The 2026 awards evening provided students with the opportunity to:

  • Be honoured on stage in front of peers, teachers, and family
  • Connect with other young artists in the community
  • Gain access to resources and opportunities to support their artistic development

Teachers also benefited: five nominating teachers received a free MASC workshop for their classroom.

MASC Arts Awards 2026 Photos

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What people are saying

Through MASC Arts Awards, I received a year-long drama scholarship. It was a catalyst for opening up a window of opportunities for me. All of a sudden, what wasn’t possible seemed possible.

— Stefan Keyes, 2000 Drama Award Recipient, 2008 Jennifer Cayley Award Recipient

When I initially entered, I hadn’t been feeling very confident about my writing – but knowing that I won an award for something that I’d written, helped me realize that I do have potential… It’s a huge honour.

— Kailey Rennals, 2019 Jan Andrews Literary Award Recipient

I think [the winners] will receive some very unique opportunities to learn how to express themselves creatively they wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with.

— Candice Bruchauser, 2001 MASC Arts Award Recipient & 2015 Jennifer Cayley Award Winner

Writing hasn't just been weaved into my life, it's been the driving factor behind most things. I don't go more than two days without writing something, or I feel like something is off kilter. Who knows if I'd still be at it, if you hadn't believed in me then. I have no idea what my life would look like otherwise. You really did just hand over a box of absolute happiness, faith, and opportunity, to a thirteen year old on the cusp of discovering something really incredible. The night of the MASC Arts Awards event, I told my parents, "I feel like an empty glass and tonight was just a jug of happiness being poured in until it overflowed." What a gift.

— Leticia Alvarez, 2013 Literary Arts Award Recipient, Mentorship with Frances Itani

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