The shortlist for the 2026 Sobey Art Award has been unveiled, showcasing the diverse landscape of contemporary art in Canada. The six finalists, representing different regions across the country, were announced by the Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada.
Among the nominees 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 work across various mediums such as textile art, sculpture, installation, and filmmaking, with four of them exploring themes related to their Indigenous heritage.
According to Jonathan Shaughnessy of the National Gallery of Canada, who chairs the Sobey Art Award jury, this year’s shortlisted artists exemplify a dynamic range of contemporary visual practices. Their works reflect innovative transformations of materials that are influenced by personal, cultural, and historical 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. Prior to the announcement, a group exhibition featuring the finalists’ artworks will be on display at the gallery starting on September 4.
Last year’s recipient was Tania Willard, known for her land-based art practice. Past winners of the Sobey Art Award include prominent artists like Brian Jungen, Divya Mehra, Nico Williams, and Abbas Akhavan. Established in 2002, the Sobey Art Award previously had an age limit but removed it in 2021 to provide a platform for Canada’s emerging artistic talents.