Since 2006, the Polaris Music Prize has championed albums based on artistic merit, not genre or sales. We’ve amplified bold Canadian voices, sparked career-defining moments, and created space for stories that might otherwise have gone unheard.
We asked past nominees what Polaris meant to them:
- 48% said it directly led to major career opportunities.
- 80% saw increased income, audience, and funding.
- 90% saw bigger live audiences — and deeper connections with listeners.
That’s the power of celebrating art for art’s sake. Once nominated, Polaris continues to champion artists throughout their careers. The Polaris alumni pool now features over 600 exceptional Canadian artists. Explore the Polaris alumni and discover your next can’t-stop-listening album below.
