The Robert and Meridel Archambeau Award of Distinction
Call for Submissions
Deadline: February 24, 2025
The Robert and Meridel Archambeau Award of Distinction celebrates a Manitoba based craftsperson who has demonstrated an outstanding dedication to studio-based professional practice in their medium. This award recognizes the recipient’s career of achievements, esteemed reputation, and exceptional advancement in their craft area.
This award was created through the generosity of Meridel Archambeau whose gifts enabled the establishment of an endowment fund held at the Winnipeg Foundation that will support this award for generations to come.
About Robert Archambeau
Robert Archambeau was known best as an artist, teacher and collector. He worked with clay for over 60 years and was a prolific maker of wood-fired stoneware vessels. His work has been exhibited internationally and is featured in major public and private collections. He taught at the University of Manitoba’s School of Art for 23 years and was subsequently recognized as Professor Emeritus. He received many accolades for his work including the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts, and the Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction. He inspired and mentored many, leading by example in his hardworking pursuit of making ‘fine crockery’.
The Award (given bi-annually) includes:
- Recognition at an awards dinner
- Monetary prize of approx. $1000 (based on endowment dividend)
- a piece of Robert Archambeau’s ceramic work
- a feature on the MCC website
Eligibility:
- Respected Manitoba craftsperson who has dedicated a significant amount of time (suggested minimum 12 years) to developing and exhibiting work in their medium. They will have made a substantial impact in their community by advancing recognition for their craft at home, nationally, and/or internationally.
- Current MCC member (artist must be living.)
- Applicant’s practice meets MCC’s definition of craft. MCC sets the following parameters for what constitutes “craft”:
-Original handmade work in ceramic, fibre, metal, paper, stone, glass, leather, wood including jewellery, fashion, furniture, instruments, etc. -Work in the above materials and genres may be functional, sculptural or conceptual in nature.-Interdisciplinary or multi-media works that are primarily based in the above materials or related craft techniques.
Ineligible: Drawing, painting, and photography.Edibles, consumables, cosmetics.
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online using the form HERE
Please have all your documents ready to submit before starting an application. You will not be able to edit your application after it is submitted or save what you have started and return to the application later.
Applicants will be asked to upload the following:
- One Word or PDF file containing:
a. A statement from the applicant highlighting:
-the applicant’s achievements in studio-based craft which may include exhibitions, teaching, sales, residencies, public presentations, community projects, etc.
-the applicant’s contributions to the broader craft community
(1 page max)
b. Professional artist/craftsperson CV
(10 page max)
c. A list of images, with applicant’s name, image number, title, size (L x W x H), year made, and materials used.
d. One letter of support from an established artist, curator, or arts professional outlining why the applicant is worthy of recognition, the significance of their studio work, and their contributions to the advancement of craft within Manitoba. Letters of support may not be submitted by a spouse or significant other, child, parent, or sibling.
(2 page max)
- Up to 10 images of the applicant’s work
IMPORTANT – Please name files as follows:
For Word or PDF file: first name, last name, image # (eg. JaneSmith)
For images: first name, last name, image # (eg. JaneSmith03)
Assessment
A selection committee composed of experienced craftspeople and curators with expertise in a range of craft media will be invited to review all applications and select award recipients. The committee will consider factors including:
- excellence of the work in terms of aesthetics, creativity, innovation
- technical mastery
- community impact
- service/volunteerism
- the nominee’s contribution to the development of craft in Manitoba
- advocacy and/or governance activities (board service, committees, etc.)
Questions:
Please contact Tammy Sutherland with any questions at [email protected] or (204) 615–3951.
