What Is 2015 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 2015 Governor General's Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in Canadian creative and academic fields. These prestigious honors are among the highest recognitions in the nation, spotlighting excellence in literature, visual arts, performing arts, and scholarship.

Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Office of the Governor General, the awards reflect Canada's cultural diversity and intellectual vitality. The 2015 recipients were selected based on work produced in 2014, with winners announced in May 2015.

• Literary awards included seven categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People's Literature (Text and Illustration), and Translation, each honoring a single winner.
• Visual and media arts recipients were recognized in seven distinct disciplines, such as Outstanding Achievement in Contemporary Art and Artistic Innovation, with one laureate per category.
• Each winner received a medal designed by artist Cathy Bursey-Sabourin and a $25,000 prize, funded by the Canada Council and private sponsors.
• The selection process involved independent peer assessment committees composed of experts in each field, ensuring impartial and rigorous evaluation.
• Indigenous representation was notable in 2015, with several nominees and winners highlighting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit contributions to Canadian culture.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards follow a structured nomination and adjudication process managed jointly by the Canada Council and the Governor General’s office. Nominations are submitted by peers, publishers, or institutions, and evaluated by specialized juries.

• Eligibility: Works must have been published or publicly presented in 2014 by Canadian citizens or permanent residents to qualify for the 2015 awards.
• Nomination: Publishers, agents, or institutions submit entries; individuals cannot nominate themselves, ensuring a curated and professional selection process.
• Jury Selection: Each category has a three-member jury appointed by the Canada Council, composed of established professionals in the relevant field.
• Evaluation Criteria: Submissions are judged on artistic merit, originality, and contribution to Canadian culture, with no commercial success requirements.
• Award Ceremony: Winners were honored in a May 2015 ceremony at Rideau Hall, hosted by then-Governor General David Johnston.
• Post-Award Recognition: Laureates receive national media exposure and are often invited to participate in public readings, exhibitions, or academic panels.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2015 Governor General's Awards compare across key categories:

The table highlights the diversity of disciplines honored in 2015, from literary fiction to Indigenous visual art. Each winner was selected through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process emphasizing cultural significance and artistic excellence. The consistent prize amount and jury structure underscore the awards’ commitment to equity and national recognition.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Governor General's Awards played a crucial role in elevating Canadian voices on national and international stages. By honoring diverse forms of creative and intellectual achievement, the awards reinforce Canada’s cultural identity and support for the arts.

• André Alexis’s win for Fifteen Dogs brought attention to philosophical fiction, later earning the Giller Prize, demonstrating the award’s predictive influence.
• Colleen Murphy’sPig Girl addressed violence against Indigenous women, amplifying social justice themes in mainstream theater.
• The recognition of Rebecca Belmore, a prominent Anishinaabe artist, affirmed Indigenous leadership in contemporary art.
• Winning often leads to increased book sales and exhibition opportunities, boosting the laureate’s career trajectory significantly.
• International publishers and curators use the awards as a benchmark for Canadian excellence, facilitating global collaborations.
• The awards also inspire emerging artists by showcasing pathways to recognition and sustainable creative careers.

By celebrating excellence across disciplines, the 2015 Governor General's Awards not only honored individual achievement but also strengthened Canada’s cultural infrastructure and global artistic reputation.