Established by the Honourable Myra Freeman in 2005, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award recognizes excellence in all creative media and highlights works that have a strong connection to Nova Scotia in the context of national and international achievement.

The Masterworks Arts Award is the largest cultural award based in Nova Scotia, with up to $37,000 awarded annually. The Creators of up to five Finalist works receive $3,000, and the Creator(s) of one Winning work receive an additional $22,000, for a total of $25,000.

The Award is managed by the Nova Scotia Masterworks Awards Foundation.