Jean Johnson Craft Writing Award

Established by Anne Stadlmair, the Jean Johnson Craft Writing Award recognizes the importance of supporting writing about craft by an emerging writer or curator. The award supports emerging careers in craft discourse, furthers the appreciation and understanding of craft in Canada, and recognizes critical analysis and the contemporary significance of the awarded work. Exploring current issues in relation to craft practice, the Jean Johnson Craft Writing Award is designed to help develop and promote the work of emerging writers and curators.

Current Cycle

Nominations for the 2026 Jean Johnson Craft Writing Award are open until September 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

About the Award

Jean Johnson’s interest in the arts was rooted in her childhood. She graduated from the art program at Northern Secondary School at the age of 18, and had her first “art job” re-drawing the American comic-book superhero Captain Marvel for Canadian audiences. She lived in Venezuela from 1951 to 1961; and during her time there, in addition to learning Spanish, painted the landscape and drew botanical images.

Johnson returned to Toronto in 1961 and became curator at Merton Gallery. While there, she represented and supported the careers of many notable Canadian craft artists. In 1979, she began what she later called “the crowning achievement” of her career, running Harbourfront Centre’s Craft Studio. Johnson saw rich potential in the Craft Studio’s artist-in-residence program and was the driving force behind its development into a prime destination for emerging Canadian craft artists. She introduced a resource library and a volunteer advisory committee to the site, as well as encouraging international exchanges and inviting leading figures to lecture and give master classes. Johnson further presented conferences, such as Exploring Contemporary Craft History, Theory and Critical Writing, as well as the Crafting New Traditions: Canadian Innovators and Influences symposium and publication, which celebrates Canadian craft pioneers.

Jean was awarded the Order of Canada (1993) for her work with craft communities across Canada; The Mather Award for Lifetime Achievement, Craft Ontario (1994); Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (2000); Honorary Fellowship, Ontario College of Art & Design (2001), and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2012).

What recipients receive

The award recipient receives a $1,000 prize, presented at the annual Craft Awards Ceremony, and a commission from Studio magazine to write an article for a forthcoming issue, paid separately at the magazine's standard editorial rate. The recipient also receives a two-year subscription to Studio.

Application Information

Conditions: 

• One submission per applicant.

• Applicants must be within the first 8 years of their writing career.

• The Jean Johnson Craft Writing Award can be awarded to an individual once. If you are a previous recipient, you are not eligible to apply again. However, previous Studio writers are invited to apply.

• Award eligibility is limited to those who are primarily living and/or working in Canada.

• Applications will only be accepted through this online form. Hard copy or email submissions will not be accepted.

• No AI-generated works will be accepted, nor should applicants use AI to generate material for the award application.

Submission requirements: 

• Contact info

• Short biography (100-200 words)

• A short pitch for an article about Canadian craft (max 250 words) -- see Studio's Editorial Submission Guidelines for tips on how to prepare your pitch

• Two (2) writing samples (published or unpublished) of at least 500 words each (PDF format; max. 3 MB each)

• CV or resumé (PDF format; max. 3 MB)

Supporters

The Craft Writing Award exists thanks to the generosity and ongoing support of Jean Johnson’s daughter, Anne Stadlmair. Through the Award, Anne honours Jean’s legacy – an unwavering commitment to championing craft in Canada.

Questions? 

Contact info@studiomagazine.ca