The 2026 Sobey Art Award shortlist showcases the current landscape of contemporary art in Canada. Recently, the Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada unveiled the finalists selected from a group of previously announced candidates. The nominees for this year’s award are:
– Melaw Nakehk’o from the Circumpolar region
– Samuel Roy-Bois representing the Pacific region
– Audie Murray hailing from the Prairies region
– Lotus L. Kang showcasing art from the Ontario region
– Caroline Monnet presenting work from the Quebec region
– Shane Perley-Dutcher from the Atlantic region
These artists engage in a wide range of artistic disciplines, including textile art, sculpture, installation, and filmmaking, among other diverse mediums. Notably, four out of the six artists explore and draw inspiration from their Indigenous heritage.
According to Jonathan Shaughnessy of the NGC and chair of the Sobey Art Award jury, this year’s shortlisted artists offer a dynamic representation of contemporary visual practice. Their innovative use of materials reflects deep personal, cultural, and material histories and experiences.
An independent jury of curators and gallery professionals will decide the recipient of the $100,000 grand prize, which will be announced on Nov. 14 at a ceremony in Ottawa. Before the winner is revealed, the National Gallery of Canada will host a group exhibition featuring the finalists’ works, opening on Sept. 4 in Ottawa.
In the past, notable recipients of the Sobey Art Award include Tania Willard, Brian Jungen, Divya Mehra, Nico Williams, and Abbas Akhavan, who currently represents Canada at the Venice Biennale.
Established in 2002, the Sobey Art Award was previously limited to Canadian artists under 40, but the age restriction was lifted in 2021. The award’s mission is to amplify the voices of Canada’s most significant artistic talents.
