The City of Fredericton is proud to announce that Germaine Pataki-Theriault and Nadia Khoury are the recipients of the 2026 Arts Achievement Awards.
“Germaine and Nadia have created spaces in Fredericton for artists at all stages in their careers to display work in supportive, welcoming environments. These spaces provide people living in and visiting our city opportunities to experience visual arts” said Mayor Kate Rogers “The knowledge and outstanding contributions of these women has helped shape and strengthen Fredericton’s vibrant, artistic, and cultural landscape. We are grateful for their dedication to the arts and leadership in our community.”
The biennial Arts Achievement Awards were created in 2017 to celebrate contributions, cultural achievement and excellence by individuals, organizations and/or businesses in all areas of the arts in New Brunswick’s capital city.
Germaine Pataki-Theriault’s diverse career has seen her contribute to the arts and cultural scene in Fredericton in countless ways. Currently she is at the helm of Gallery 78, a family-run commercial gallery celebrating 50 years in business in 2026. She supports both emerging and established artists and has created an inclusive and cultural hub for the visual arts, music, literature and various cultural activities.
Pataki-Theriault is a champion for all artistic and cultural activities as a supporter, mentor, collaborator, and partner. Outside of running the gallery, Germaine has contributed to the local cultural community through serving on boards, volunteering on committees and participating in juries.
Nadia Khoury has dedicated her decades long career to uplifting and celebrating the arts and culture sector in New Brunswick. Presently she is the Director and Curator of Gallery on Queen, a commercial art gallery she established in Downtown Fredericton that is celebrating its tenth year of business in 2026.
In addition to uplifting artists of all career levels, she has leveraged her space to support broad cultural communities including annual Wabanaki, Black History Month and Chinese community exhibitions and celebrations. Beyond her work as an entrepreneur and a curator, Khoury has served on various cultural boards, foundations, and fundraising committees.
“Germaine and Nadia have each contributed to the arts and culture sector in Fredericton throughout their careers in countless ways and are both incredibly deserving of this honour” said Nathalie Dubois, Chair of the City’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements alongside the community at the award ceremony taking place on April 15.”
The awards will be presented by Mayor Kate Rogers and Natalie Dubois, Chair of the City’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, on Wednesday April 15th at 5pm at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. The ceremony is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.
Recipients will be presented a pin, designed by a former NB College of Craft & Design student Joël Belliveau, as part of a collaboration project with NBCCD metal students. The pin is inspired by the idea of community, represented as a honeycomb. It seeks to capture the relationship between a community that is enriched by the work of its artists, as well as artists that are enriched by the support of their community.
Recipients are awarded through a jury process, and this is the fifth time the Arts Achievement Awards have been presented. Information about the award and past recipients is available online.