The Robert and Meridel Archambeau Award of Distinction

Deadline February 11, 2027 11:59 pm

The Robert and Meridel Archambeau Award of Distinction

Call for Submissions
Deadline: February 11, 2027

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 celebration
  • 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/nominee’s practice meets MCC’s definition of craft.

How to Apply:
Direct Applications (you are applying for yourself) and Peer Nominations (your are nominating someone else) will be accepted online using the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfpzPoFXeVV1zjYHjvjEGci_3nRw-UNL3QXv97q-KiYuN00w/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Please have all your documents ready to submit before starting the process. You will not be able to edit your application/nomination after it is submitted or save what you have started and return to it later. 

Applicants/nominators will be asked to upload the following:

  1. One Word or PDF file containing:a.

    A statement from the applicant/nominee highlighting:
    -the applicant/nominee’s achievements in studio-based craft which may include exhibitions, teaching, sales, residencies, public presentations, community projects, etc.
    -the applicant/nominee’s contributions to the broader craft community
    (1 page max)b. Professional artist/craftsperson CV
    (10 page max)

    c. A list of images, with the applicant/nominee’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/nominee 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 pages max)

  2. Up to 10 images of the applicant/nominee’s workIMPORTANT – 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/nominations 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 applicant/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 tsutherland@c2centreforcraft.ca or (204) 615–3951.