MASC Arts Awards

The 25th edition of MASC Arts Awards return on April 26, 2027 at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Alma Duncan Salon. The gala evening will bring students, families, teachers, and members of the arts community together to honour the next generation of artists.

Since 1999, the MASC Arts Awards have celebrated the outstanding creativity and artistic passion among students in Grades 6–9 who face financial or other barriers to accessing opportunities to develop their artistic potential. The Awards shine a light on young people who are making their mark through the arts while creating opportunities to support their continued artistic development. 

A nomination is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate a student’s artistic achievements, connect them to the Ottawa arts community and help open the door to their next artistic opportunity.  

Award recipients receive year-long scholarships to continue developing their skills and confidence through training and mentorship in their chosen art form. These opportunities give young artists the chance to learn from professional artists and leading Ottawa arts organizations, explore new possibilities, and build on the interests that inspire them.

Teachers and educators can nominate students in five categories:

  • Music
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Visual Arts
  • Literary Arts 

In addition, three students are also honoured with special literary awards: 

Five nominating teachers will also be recognized with a free workshop for their classroom!

The 2027 gala will give students an opportunity to be recognized on stage in front of family, friends, educators, and community members, connect with other young artists, and access professional arts training and mentorship as they take the next step in their artistic journey. 

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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