The Guyana Cultural Association, New York, Inc., Awards Committee has opened a call for nominations for the 2026 Awards and Prizes. The awards recognize contributions made to the diaspora, to Guyana, or to enhancing Guyana’s reputation on the world stage. The nominations will close on Thursday, April 30.
The Brooklyn-based non-profit, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year, will present awards and prizes in the following categories: Guyana Cultural Association Award (recognizing general excellence), Guyana Cultural Association Exemplary Award (for exceptional contribution), Guyana Cultural Association Lifetime Achievement Award (for lifetime service), GCA Business Partner/Cultural Enabler Award (for business support of culture), and Claire Ann Goring M.S. Youth Awards (for outstanding youth achievements).
Under the theme “Roots, Rhythm and Harmony: Celebrating Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee,” the committee said, “We are proud to present the GCA Music Awards. Guyanese music is a vibrant conversation across peoples, time, and evolving [technologies],” musical icon Kurleigh Lowe added.
Since 2002, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. has recognized Guyanese creativity and achievement through annual awards and prizes. This year, the focus is on recognizing outstanding contributions to Guyana’s musical landscape.
The 2026 awardees will join a distinguished group of more than 400 individuals who have been honored throughout 26 years of cultural stewardship.
The Godfrey Chin prize for Heritage Journalism rewards writers whose published works promote understanding and appreciation of the diverse strands of Guyanese heritage and celebrate the commonalities that connect the people of Guyana. To learn more, log on to https://guyfolkfest.org/the-godfrey-chin-prize/
The Derry Etkins Memorial Prizes recognize excellence in musical Composition, Performance, and Preservation, as well as Service and Commitment to creative, impactful, and sustainable music education programs focused on community engagement, innovation, and/or excellence in music. To learn more, log on to https://guyfolkfest.org/derry-etkins-prizes/
Nominations Guidelines
All submissions must have been published in one of the following media formats:
(a) a Guyanese newspaper or magazine, or on the newspaper or magazine’s website-
(b) a blog series; (d) a Facebook group or other web-based platform.
Nominations can be one story, a series with at least half published, or up to three unrelated stories.
*Columns, editorials, commentaries and “letters to the editor” are eligible.
Please read the selection criteria details for more information. Selections will only be made from nominations received by Thursday, April 30, 2026, complete with photographs.
NOTE: A selection committee evaluates each nomination considering the following criteria:
Scope, Impact/Influence, Integration & Achievements.
Special Awards: No nominations required.
• GCA Business Partner/Cultural Enabler Award
• Claire Ann Goring M.S. Youth Awards
For more details, please visit: https://guyfolkfest.org/gca-awards/
