The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards emblem is inscribed with the Latin motto Artes nos tenent et inspirant, which means "The arts engage and inspire us". The emblem appears on the medallions produced by the Royal Canadian Mint and presented to Performing Arts Awards recipients by the Governor General at Rideau Hall.
The design was created in 1992 by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada. The lions refer to the office of the Governor General, whose official colours are blue and gold. The coronets of maple leaves emphasize that the Award is Canadian. The torch symbolizes aspiration towards excellence.
The emblem can also be found on two stained-glass windows at Rideau Hall.
