In October of this year, 12 artists were awarded Cultural Medallions in Singapore from the National Arts Council. The Medallions have four categories: literary arts, performing arts, visual arts, and film. The Cultural Medallion recipients for this year were: M Balakrishnan, Chng Seok Tin, Dick Lee, Lee Wen and Jack Neo, while Heman Chong, Aaron Khek, Michael Lee, Li Xie, Alvin Pang, Katryna Tan and Cyril Wong received the Young Artist Award. Winners are those who are recognised for their artistic work and contributions to art, those who have attained artistic excellence or have shown potential for artistic excellence, creative originality, professional maturity, and an inspiration or role model to other artists in the community. There is also a Young Artist award which is bestowed to those 35 years old and younger. Nominations for the 2006 Arts Awards are now open. The public can nominate Singaporean artists up until 16th January 2006. Nominations can be made online at www.nac.gov.sg. For more information CLICK HERE.