When first awarded in 1976, the annual Honour List recognized only contributions to the arts. Several additional categories were added in 1989, and the Honour List now recognizes Londoners' professional and philanthropic work in nine diverse fields.

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Each year, the London Arts Council invites nominations for the honouree in the Arts category. Eligible nominees are professional artists and active volunteers whose artistic excellence or outstanding contribution of service deserves recognition.

The application process opens mid-July and closes early September. The assessment panel review process takes place in September, with the official recommendation letter sent to the City at the end of September for the following year. Recognition is officially given at City Council’s first meeting of the year in January.