Awards & Acknowledgements

2026  BC Parent Family Favourite

BC Parent Magazine is a long-established, independent parenting publication that has served families in British Columbia for over 30 years. Widely recognized at a local level, it is considered a trusted resource by many parents for practical, community-focused information on parenting, education, and family life. We thank the families who have placed their trust and confidence in our school.

The Arts Conservatory won 6 awards in 6 categories:

1. Favourite Party Place: Gold
2. Favourite Dance School: Gold
3. Favourite Music School: Silver
4. Favourite Visual Arts School: Gold
5. Favourite Performing Arts School: Gold
6. Favourite Art, Music, Drama, Dance Camp: Gold

2025  BC Parent Family Favourite

BC Parent Magazine is a long-established, independent parenting publication that has served families in British Columbia for over 30 years. Widely recognized at a local level, it is considered a trusted resource by many parents for practical, community-focused information on parenting, education, and family life. We thank the families who have placed their trust and confidence in our school.

The Arts Conservatory won 5 awards in 5 categories:

1. Family Favourite Party Place: Silver
2. Favourite Dance School: Silver
3. Favourite Music School: Silver
4. Favourite Visual Arts School: Bronze
5. Favourite Performing Arts School: Silver

2025  Richmond Arts Awards

The broader Richmond Arts Awards program is designed to:

• Recognize contributions to the local arts community
• Increase visibility and appreciation of the arts
• Encourage leadership and growth in the sector

The Volunteerism category specifically acknowledges that a strong arts community depends not just on artists, but on committed volunteers who sustain and expand access to the arts. As a long standing member of the arts community, Linda Shirley was recognized as a key contributor through her time and service.

2023  YWCA Women of Distinction Awards: Outstanding Workplace

This award category recognizes a business or organization that has implemented a unique workplace culture. It supports and responds to the diverse needs of its employees, encouraging them to balance the demands and rewards of career, family, community and personal growth. This business or organization acknowledges the additional challenges that its female employees may face and proactively supports the success and advancement of women in its workplace. 

With over 2000 submissions and 130 in the Outstanding Workplace category alone, we are thrilled to have been one of eleven finalists including large corporations like Scotiabank and RBC Royal Bank.

2022  Business Leadership of the Year

This award honours a business that demonstrates sound business practices, leadership in their industry, and a positive impact on the Richmond community. The business provides inspiration and acts as a role model for other businesses in employment and industry standards.

As one of the 3 finalists, we are proud to be acknowledged as one of the top 3 Business Leadership companies in Richmond, standing alongside large companies like Coca Cola.

2022  Outstanding Workplace of the Year

This award honours a business that excels while demonstrating a commitment to the physical, intellectual, and emotional support of employees through the work environment, benefits, vacation and paid time off, performance management, training and skills development, and community involvement.

As one of the 3 finalists, we are proud to be acknowledged as one of the top 3 Outstanding Workplace companies in Richmond. We see every employee as a valuable member of The Arts Connection family.

2019  Business Leadership of The Year

Honours a business that demonstrates sound business practices, leadership in their industry, and a positive impact on the Richmond community. The business provides inspiration and acts as a role model for other businesses in employment and industry standards.

As the recipient of the Business Leadership award, we are committed to keeping our excellent standard of practice and to continually expand our horizons so that we can make improvements.

2014  City of Richmond Arts Education

This award recognizes an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching.

As a passionate arts advocate, it is an honour to be recognized for the decades of impact we have made in Arts Education in the City of Richmond.

2014  Innovation of the Year

This award honours a business that demonstrates the use of innovation to create a significant positive impact on society. The business displays vision in the development and launching of new technologies, products and/or services and demonstrates the ability to take risks.

We are proud to be recipients of the Innovation of the Year as one of the first childcare centers in Richmond to offer an academic curriculum that is also integrated with the fine arts.

2009  Ethel Tibbits Woman of the Year (Business)

This award honours women of distinction and celebrates their contribution to the City of Richmond.

Having received this title in 1999 and 2003, winning the award again in 2009 established Linda Shirley as a three time recipient of the Woman of the Year Award!

2003  Entrepreneur of the Year

This award honours women of distinction and celebrates their contribution to the City of Richmond.

2002  Ethel Tibbits Woman of the Year (Arts)

This award honours women of distinction and celebrates their contribution to the City of Richmond.

1999  Ethel Tibbits Woman of the Year (Business)

This award honours women of distinction and celebrates their contribution to the City of Richmond.