Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
What does contemporary art look like in Canada today? For the answer, simply look at the shortlist for the 2026 Sobey Art Award.
The latest round of finalists was revealed this morning by the Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada. From a pool of previously announced hopefuls, a short list representing six home regions has been selected.
The nominees for the 2026 Sobey Art Award are:
The artists in this group work in a broad variety of disciplines, including textile art, sculpture, installation, filmmaking — among many other diverse media. Four of the six create art which explores, and draws from, their Indigenous ancestry.
“This year’s shortlisted artists represent a dynamic cross-section of contemporary visual practice,” says Jonathan Shaughnessy of the NGC who also serves as the chair of the Sobey Art Award jury. “Through innovative and compelling transformations of materials, their artworks shape and are shaped by deep personal, cultural, and material histories and experience.”
Following deliberation by an independent jury of curators and gallery professionals, the winner of the $100,000 grand prize will be named Nov. 14 during a celebration at the NGC in Ottawa.
And before the winner is revealed, the gallery will host a group exhibition devoted to the finalists’ work. That show is slated to open Sept. 4 in Ottawa.
Last year’s recipient was Tania Willard, a Secwépemc artist renowned for her land-based art practice. Past winners include Brian Jungen (2002), Divya Mehra (2022), Nico Williams (2024) and Abbas Akhavan (2015), who is currently representing Canada at the Venice Biennale.
Founded in 2002, the Sobey was previously awarded to a Canadian artist under 40 but the age restriction was removed in 2021. Its mission is to serve as a platform for Canada’s most pertinent artistic voices.
