Directory art competition 2021

Directory art contest

Northwestel is proud to support a thriving and diverse northern arts community
 

Artwork created by northern artists has been a staple of Northwestel phone directories since 1979. From stunning northern landscapes to richly coloured cultural design, every year three artists are chosen, and their artwork featured on their region’s directory cover. Winners are awarded $5000 each and celebrated on our community blog. Northwestel directories help northerners connect with each other. It’s one way we’re helping to build a stronger North – where everyone can prosper and thrive. 


 

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2026 Directory Art Contest application

A prize of $5000 will be awarded to each of the three selected winning entrants. Winners will be notified by November 18, 2025. Entrants who were not selected as prize winners will not be contacted, please continue with any plans for your artwork after this date. The three winners will be announced publicly in the spring of 2026.

Read about contest eligibility, how to enter, and rules.

Eligibility

To enter and to be eligible to win, entrant must be a legal resident of Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Northern British Columbia or Yukon, comprised within the Northwestel operating area (https://www.nwtel.ca/who-we-are) and be of the age of majority in the province or territory in which he/she resides. Employees of the Contest Sponsor, its agents, parent, affiliated or related companies, subsidiaries, divisions, prize sponsors, promotional and advertising agencies or of any other entity involved in the development, production, administration, or fulfilment of the Contest, are ineligible to enter. Persons whose work has appeared on a Northwestel directory cover in the 2020/2021 edition or any subsequent editions are not eligible to enter.  

Although photography is considered an art form, we are not seeking this type of artwork at this time for the directory covers. The artwork cannot already have been previously published, reproduced in any format or exhibited. The artist should not have future plans to sell, publish, reproduce or exhibit the artwork. A maximum of two pieces may be submitted by each artist.

Rules and regulations

Read the rules & regulations for the 2026 Northwestel Directory Art Contest


How to enter 

Entries must be received by October 16, 2025 at 9:00am Pacific time. Late entries cannot be considered, due to the production schedule of the telephone directories. The winning entrants will be contacted by November 18, 2025. 
 
Entries must be accompanied by an official entry form containing the following information: 

  • Artist’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address 

  • A short artist’s biography 

  • Description of the artwork, including dimensions, medium and title 

Limit of two (2) entries per individual during the contest period. 

 

Artist Information
Artwork
 Individual files can be no larger than 8MB and must be saved in one of the following formats; .JPG .TIFF .PNG .GIF
One file only.
8 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, png, tiff, pdf.

Directory art winners

Northwestel has been featuring northern artists on our phone directories since 1979. View past winners by year and remember to check back for updates.

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Back Bay Float Back Bay Float by Deanna Ehalt-Zawyrucha

Back Bay Float

Deanna Ehalt-Zawyrucha
Northwest Territories
2025
Learn more about the Back Bay Float art directory submission
Salmon Aurora - as above, so below Salmon Aurora - as above, so below

Salmon Aurora - as above, so below

The Ocean's Touch The Ocean's Touch

The Ocean's Touch

Sehrish Khan
Northwest Territories
2024
Learn more about the The Ocean's Touch art directory submission
The Raven The Raven

The Raven

Danielle Bossio
Yukon/Northern BC
2024
Learn more about the The Raven art directory submission
Sky Song Sky Song, Oil on Canvas

Sky Song

Shirly Ambrose
Yukon/Northern BC
2023
Learn more about the Sky Song art directory submission
Uumingmak (Muskox) Uumingmak (Muskox) - Digital Art

Uumingmak (Muskox)

Brian Kowikchuk
Northwest Territories
2023
Learn more about the Uumingmak (Muskox) art directory submission