Canadian Magazine Awards unveiled by Magazines Canada

Magazines Canada today held a brief press conference to announce the inception of the Canadian Magazine Awards, starting April 27 in Toronto in conjunction with the annual industry conference MagNet. 

The new awards were the outcome of an announcement last November by a group of large publishers that they were going to abandon the NMAs in favour of an awards program of their own, one that they felt better reflected publishing excellence as they perceived it. Ultimately,they turned responsibility for the design and launch of the new awards program over to the industry association, Magazines Canada. 

(No mention was made in the launch announcement of the National Magazine Awards or the Foundation which has run them for 40 years and which says it will carry on with it annual awards in spring 2017. )

Magazines Canada board chair Douglas Knight of St. Joseph Media emphasized the recognition of storytelling and multimedia:

"Canadian magazines have a special place in the hearts of Canadians. Showcasing many of Canada's best writers, designers and photographers, magazines engage Canadians with Canadian stories across virtually every platform, from beautiful tactile print to rich websites to social media in all forms. The Magazine Grands Prix will celebrate creative and journalistic excellence, honouring the editors and art directors, writers, photographers and illustrators, designers, developers and producers to bring the unique craft of magazine storytelling to life with each issue and every posting."

In addition to awards across a range of categories, there will be a paid fellowship program that will embed emerging talent with Canadian magazines across the country. At least in the first year, said Matthew Holmes, the president and CEO of Magazines Canada, there will be up to three such fellowships awards (depending on funding). 

"The goal of this exciting new program is to depend the conversation on issues that drive our country forward; fellowship themes will change each year, ranging from social issues, to the economy, to lifestyle and beyond. With Canada's 150th being celebrated in 2017, the new fellowship is designed to help the next generation of Canadian voices contribute to the national conversation."

The 26 proposed award categories, for which entrants must apply between December 12, 2016 and January 30, 2017, will be split equally, 13 for individuals and creators and 13 for creative editorial vision and execution. Awards are open to entries from any platform and extend to videography, motion graphics and multi-platform treatment. 

The top 2 awards will be the Editor Grand Prix, effectively editor of the year, and Magazine Grand Prix, magazine of the year. 

Entry fees will be $100 per entry and $50 per entry for small magazines with a circulation of less than 5,000.
The awards categories will be:
A.  Best story (written categories) awarded to an individual

• General interest
• Service & lifestyle
• Food & beverage
• Fashion & beauty
• Home design & decor (including gardening
• Entertainment and celebrities
• Literature & art
• Science, business & politics
• Niche/special interest

B. Best art (visual categories) awarded to an individual

• Best feature photography or videography
• Best illustration or motion graphics

C. Awards for best magazine

• General interest
• Service & lifestyle
• Food & beverage
• Fashion & beauty
• Home design & decor (including gardening
• Entertainment and celebrities
• Literature & art
• Science, business & politics
• Niche/special interest

D. Grands Prix

• Best art direction of an entire issue
• Best multi-platform story treatment
• Best multi-platform magazine brand
• Best cover
• Editor Grand Prix
• Magazine Grand Prix

Related stories:

• National Magazine Awards announces important changes to board and procedures
• Can the Canadian magazine industry resolve the developing struggle over awards?
• Group of big mag publishers intend to abandon NMAs and start their own awards program, starting in 2017