CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IS OPEN UNTIL APRIL 30, 2026

Now is your chance to join us in celebrating the roots, rhythms, and harmonies that define the very best of Guyanese music!

GCA Recognitions: Awards & Prizes 2026

Roots, Rhythm and Harmony

Request for Nominations

Now is your chance to join us in celebrating the roots, rhythms, and harmonies that define the very best of Guyanese music!

“Guyanese music is not a single tradition — it is a vibrant conversation across peoples, across time, and across evolving [technologies].” Kurleigh Lowe

As the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of New York, Inc. marks 26 years under the  theme: “Roots, Rhythm and Harmony: Celebrating Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee,” we are proud to present the GCA Music Awards.

Since 2002, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., has recognized Guyanese creativity and achievement. 

This year, our focus is on recognizing outstanding contributions to Guyana’s musical landscape.
Our 2026 Awardees will join a distinguished group of more than 400 honorees celebrated throughout our 26 years of cultural stewardship.

Past honorees are listed here: https://guyfolkfest.org/awards/

We invite your nominations for the following awards and prizes:

  • Guyana Cultural Association Award
  • Guyana Cultural Association Exemplary Award
  • Guyana Cultural Association Lifetime Achievement Award

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.
For details, please visit: https://guyfolkfest.org/gca-awards/

  • Special Awards:
    GCA Business Partner/Cultural Enabler Award
  • Claire Ann Goring M.S. Youth Awards

Selection Criteria

Scope: Spans performance, creation, therapy, education, and technology, influencing social, cultural, and personal well-being

Impact/Influence: Did music impact relationships and the community dynamics?

Integration: Did the idea, expression, or product or innovation contribute to social, cultural, and political harmony? Also, did it lead to the improvement of cultural understanding?

Achievements: This refers to the nominee’s body of work. It is not a mere quantitative measure – “Nuff is not always the best.”

Eligibility  
The GCA Exemplary Award and the GCA Award are offered to any individual or entity. The GCA Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for Guyanese nationals.

Completing a Nomination
Focus on the selection criteria that describe the nominee’s contribution. Be specific and concise. No more than 200 words. Assume the review committee knows nothing about the nominee. Provide a photograph with your form. Submissions in the format of a Curriculum Vitae or Résumés will not be accepted.

NOMINATION DEADLINE is on or before April 30, 2026.
SELECTIONS WILL BE MADE FROM NOMINATIONS RECEIVED ON TIME AND THAT ARE COMPLETE.
It is the responsibility of the nominator to ensure that the nomination is complete.

IMPORTANT
Please e-mail the photograph in the JPEG format as a separate attachment to: AwardsNominations@guyfolkfest.org and reference your nominee’s name for our information.  

Your questions about GCA 2026 Recognitions: Awards and Prizes can be sent to email address: awardsnominations@guyfolkfest.org
Congratulations to all previous individuals, organizations and businesses recognized by GCA since 2002.