Galleries Ontario / Ontario Galleries

Past GOG Awards Programs. Image courtesy of Galleries Ontario / Ontario Galleries

Celebrate Excellence. Support the Arts.

For nearly five decades, the GOG Awards have recognized the individuals, exhibitions, programs, and institutions that shape Canada’s public art gallery and museum sector. As the only and longest-running awards program of its kind in Canada, the GOG Awards have become a touchstone for excellence in the visual arts. For almost fifty years, the organization has documented achievement, celebrated leadership, and highlighted the innovation that continues to transform galleries and museums and their role in public life.

Today, Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries (GOG) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 49th GOG Awards, marking the countdown to the Awards’ landmark 50th anniversary in 2027.

Public art galleries and museums are where Canadians encounter ideas, creativity, history, and one another. They preserve cultural memory, foster dialogue, inspire learning, and strengthen communities. Behind this work are visionary leaders, dedicated professionals, innovative programs, groundbreaking exhibitions, impactful publications, and meaningful partnerships that deserve recognition.

The GOG Awards celebrate these contributions.

Each year, the Awards bring visibility to the work taking place across the field, recognizing excellence in exhibitions, public programming, education, writing, design, leadership, volunteerism, partnerships, and advocacy. They honour both emerging voices and established leaders whose work is helping shape the future of public art galleries and museums.

47th Annual GOG Awards, 2025. Image courtesy of Ammar Bowaihl, Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries.

More than a recognition program, the GOG Awards have become a benchmark for the sector. They are a moment to gather, celebrate, and take stock of the ideas and achievements shaping the future of public art galleries and museums in Canada. To be part of the GOG Awards is to be part of a national conversation about excellence in the field, to champion peers, discover innovative practices, cultivate new connections, and collectively recognize the work that moves the sector forward. It is an event not to be missed by those invested in the future of Canada’s cultural landscape.

As we look ahead to the 50th anniversary of the GOG Awards, the 49th edition marks an opportunity not only to celebrate accomplishments from across the country, but also to reflect on the collective impact of Canada’s public art galleries and museums. At a time when the arts continue to foster connection, creativity, and public dialogue, recognition matters. The GOG Awards affirm the value of this work and the communities it serves.

Highlights of this year’s awards include honours such as the Changemaker BIPOC Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside awards recognizing outstanding achievement in exhibitions, public programming, education, writing, design, and more. Together, highlight the innovation and dedication that define the art sector today.

47th Annual GOG Awards, 2025. Image Courtesy of Ammar Bowaihl, Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries.

Join the Road to 50

As we build momentum toward this milestone 50th anniversary, we invite galleries, museums, arts professionals, supporters, and advocates to be part of this enduring celebration of excellence.

The GOG Awards offer meaningful opportunities for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to Canadian arts and culture while connecting directly with leaders in the visual arts community. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available at multiple levels.

Nominations for the 49th GOG Awards are open until: June 30, 2026, 11:59pm ET

You must be a member to nominate. For full guidelines, eligibility requirements, award categories, nomination forms, and to learn more, visit the GOG Awards page.

Want to nominate for the Awards but not yet a GOG member? Learn more about our membership program and benefits.

By contributing to the GOG Awards, you directly help build a stronger arts sector, expand your brand awareness, deepen your engagement within the arts and culture community, and directly connect with the art galleries we serve.

To learn more, or to find out how you can get involved contact us by emailing awards@galeries-ontario-galleries.ca or give us a call at (416)-598-0714.

About Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries

Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries has over a 50-year history as an arts service organization and represents more than 270 members, including public art galleries, museums, artist-run centres, and arts organizations. GOG serves as the voice of visual arts by advocating across all levels of government on policy, legislation, and sector priorities, while providing innovative professional development and network-building opportunities that empower and strengthen Canada’s visual arts community.

Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 395
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
galeries-ontario-galleries.ca
communications@galeries-ontario-galleries.ca
416-598-0714

Image Descriptions:
1. The image displays the past program books lined up in two rows of three, each dates with their respective Awards number and year. At the bottom right three similarly designed program books, with matching designs are positioned in a fan arrangement.
2. The image displayed a crowd of people at the 47th Annual GOG Awards, from the back, sitting in an auditorium room. At the top of the image a part of the main stage can be seen containing GOG Award signage and balloons.
3. The image displays attendees gathered during the 47th Annual GOG Awards reception. The foreground of the image shows food is being handed to attendees from a tray, and people talking and mingling with each other. In the background a live band is seen playing music for the event.