Nominations open for Arty Awards in Abbotsford

Program recognizes local artists and community contributions

Nominations open for Arty Awards in Abbotsford Published 9:38 am Wednesday, July 15, 2026 The Abbotsford Arts Council is accepting nominations for the 2026 Arty Awards from now until July 27. The awards celebrate the achievements of Abbotsford artists and highlight their contributions to the community.

There are eight categories: • Lifestyle recognizes the artistic achievement of an individual, group or business that exemplifies excellence in a creative pursuit where art and design enter our lives on a regular basis. This includes interior design, fashion design, culinary arts, and tattoo arts. •

Performing Arts recognizes the artistic achievement of an individual, group or organization that exemplifies excellence in a performing arts discipline including theatre, improv, spoken word, dance, music and comedy. • Media Arts recognizes the artistic achievement of an individual, group or organization that exemplifies excellence in a media arts discipline including graphic design, TV or radio, game design and web design. •

Literary Arts recognizes the artistic achievement of an individual, group or organization that exemplifies excellence in a literary arts discipline including poetry, prose, journalism and publishing. • Visual Arts recognizes the artistic achievement of an individual, group or organization that exemplifies excellence in a visual arts discipline including painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography, public art and fine craft. •

Arts Advocate recognizes the achievement of an individual who strongly supports and promotes the interests of artists and arts initiatives through their engagement in the Abbotsford arts community. • Youth Achievement recognizes an artist 18 years of age or younger who has exhibited artistic excellence in any form of art.

• Emerging Artist recognizes the artistic excellence of an individual who has been practising in any discipline for three years or less. Nominees must live in Abbotsford or have made a significant impact on its arts community. To nominate an artist, fill out the form at abbotsfordartscouncil.com/arty-awards-nominations Upcoming event information will be posted on the website and the arts council’s Instagram account as it becomes available.