The Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design celebrates the fusion of creativity and functionality, honouring artists whose work is both visually striking and practical. The work of these designers creates greater appreciation for functional art, elevates daily life, and helps shape the province’s cultural and economic landscapes.
The award program provides a platform for artists to reflect on their work, connect with new audiences, and engage with collaborators and patrons who value the synergy of art and utility. Named in memory of its founder, Sam Carter, the award honours his legacy while highlighting the importance of applied art and design in BC’s creative economy.
– Robin DuPont, 2024 Award Recipient
AWARD PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Capturing the hearts and creative minds of BC’s design community for over two decades, the Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design (AAD) program celebrates functional art. Named in honour of its founder who passed away in late 2023, the Sam Carter Award highlights the importance of BC’s thriving creative economy.
The AAD award program recognizes excellence amongst artists who, through their creativity, contribute to the cultural economy of the province. Artists and designers whose work has a practical or functional application may be considered for this award.
WHY NOMINATE OR APPLY
The AAD program advances the collective conversation around functional art and design. Applying for an award serves as a platform to communicate an artist’s work, vision and creativity. The process invites an opportunity for critical artistic reflection and exposes artists and designers to a wider audience.
DATES TO REMEMBER (2025 award program)
Jan 1 – Feb 15 Official Call for Nominations
October 2025 – Awardees Announced
November 2025 – Art Exhibition open to the public @ The Roundhouse & presentation ceremony
The completed nomination form and all materials must be by submitted by February 15 @ 11:59 p.m. for the nomination to be considered for the 2025 award program.
Save and Continue Later – If you don’t have all the information on hand, click on the ‘Save and Continue Later’ button at the bottom of the online nomination form – you will be prompted to enter your email and will receive a link that you can access and complete your nomination prior to the deadline.
CHECKLIST – BEFORE YOU START
CATEGORIES
Artists have the option to self-identify in one of two categories:
Emerging: Artists have developed basic techniques through education and/or apprenticeship; and are in the early stages of launching a professional career. They have created and publicly presented a body of independent work and are ready for the next step in their artistic development.
Established: Artists have demonstrated advanced techniques; shown a commitment to their art practice; and are recognized in their community as artists. They have publicly presented a significant body of independent work and serve as mentors in their respective artistic community.
Award of Distinction: A nominator may request that the nominee be considered for this award designation. The Award of Distinction for lifetime achievement is presented to an established artist in recognition of extraordinary and sustained accomplishment in applied art + design. Recipients exemplify committed vision, innovative enterprise, passionate talent, and they are an inspiration to their community and province.
NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY
An eligible nominee must:
An artist or designer may self-nominate (i.e., apply for the award program).
The following are ineligible to receive the Award:
*Visit BC Achievement’s Awardees webpage to see if your nominee is a past recipient of the award.
NOMINATOR ELIGIBILITY
Any person, group or organization may submit nominations for the Award with exceptions noted below:
SELECTION OF AWARDEES
An independent jury panel reviews the nominations and selects the awardees. The decision of the jury is final. Nominees are notified only if selected for an award. Nominators are informed as to whether or not they have been successful with their application.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Award recipients are selected based on the material submitted by the nominator. The work of the nominee should exemplify and demonstrate excellence based on the following criteria:
Up to four artists will be awarded including the Emerging Artist.
Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist – the Judson Beaumont Emerging Artist designation was established in 2021. Named in honour of the late Judson Beaumont (1959- 2020), this recognition aims to embody Judson’s enthusiasm, kindness and generosity, exemplify the meaning of excellence and highlight emerging applied artists and designers.
RECOGNITION
AAD award recipients receive a cash prize bursary and are featured in a recognition film produced by BC Achievement. In addition, they receive a medallion and pin designed by renowned artist Robert Davidson, OC, OBC, and a commemorative framed certificate and letter from the Premier recognizing their achievements.
Award recipients are granted use of the Applied Art + Design Award seal to signify their creative excellence.
An art exhibition and presentation ceremony will be held to showcase the awardees’ accomplishments.
Click here to download the AAD Nomination Guide for tips on how to submit a compelling nomination.
The nominator must complete the online Nomination form and include the following:
Nominator Statement
Please use bullet points & leave a space between points.
Max. 3000 characters including spaces or approx. 500 words.
For Emerging Artists, provide a statement that describes how receiving the award would help to advance their career trajectory and support them achieving the next level of artistic development.
Max. 500 characters including spaces or approx. 80 words.
Nominee’s CV or Resumé
Images & Description
**Please include the image number in the name of the image uploaded** – for example:
Additional Materials – optional, but strongly recommended
*Each link submitted is considered one additional material.
UPDATING A NOMINATION
To update a nomination:
Nominations are valid for three years including the first year of nomination and two subsequent years.
Nominators are strongly encouraged to update their nomination for consideration by the following year’s jury panel if their nominee was not recognized in the previous year’s awardee cohort.
We are happy to send the documents previously submitted for your nominee. Please email rup@bcachievement.com to make your request.
The Award of Distinction is presented to an established artist in recognition of extraordinary and sustained accomplishment in applied art + design. Recipients exemplify committed vision, innovative enterprise, passionate talent, and they are an inspiration to their community and province.
Recipients:
Past Programs
Supporting the Applied Art + Design Award program helps champion innovation, creativity, and excellence in BC’s vibrant design community, while recognizing artists whose work enhances everyday life and strengthens our cultural and creative economy.
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that honours excellence and inspires achievement in British Columbia.
Tel: 604.261.9777
Email: info@bcachievement.com