About The Sterling Prize

This unique award is the result of the vision and generosity of Nora and Ted Sterling. In 1993 they established an endowment at Simon Fraser University to recognize work which provokes, and/or contributes to the understanding of controversy.

“This is an unusual venture in a world in which controversy is discouraged rather than encouraged,” they said. “We hope, that by providing a substantial reward for creative, unconventional effort, it will contribute to works of this nature gaining both a forum and a degree of respectability."

The Sterling prize may be awarded for work in any field, including - but not limited to - the fine arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and education. The selection of the annual prize winner is the responsibility of the Sterling prize committee.