The 2026 Sobey Art Award shortlist has been officially unveiled by the Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada, showcasing a diverse representation of contemporary art in Canada. The finalists, selected from a group of previously identified hopefuls, encompass six distinct regions across the country.
The nominees for the prestigious award this year are Melaw Nakehk’o from the Circumpolar region, Samuel Roy-Bois from the Pacific region, Audie Murray from the Prairies region, Lotus L. Kang from the Ontario region, Caroline Monnet from the Quebec region, and Shane Perley-Dutcher from the Atlantic region. These artists employ various artistic disciplines such as textile art, sculpture, installation, and filmmaking, with four of them drawing inspiration from their Indigenous heritage.
According to Jonathan Shaughnessy, the chair of the Sobey Art Award jury, this year’s shortlisted artists exemplify a diverse range of contemporary visual practices. Their artworks reflect innovative transformations of materials, influenced by personal, cultural, and material histories and experiences.
The winner of the $100,000 grand prize will be announced on November 14 at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, following deliberation by an independent jury of curators and gallery professionals. Prior to the announcement, a group exhibition featuring the finalists’ works will be showcased at the gallery starting on September 4.
Tania Willard, a renowned Secwépemc artist focused on land-based art practice, was last year’s recipient of the award. Previous winners include Brian Jungen, Divya Mehra, Nico Williams, and Abbas Akhavan, who is currently representing Canada at the Venice Biennale.
Established in 2002, the Sobey Art Award initially honored Canadian artists under 40, but the age restriction was lifted in 2021. The award’s objective is to amplify Canada’s most significant artistic voices and provide a platform for their work to be recognized.
