The 2026 Sobey Art Award shortlist offers a glimpse into the landscape of contemporary art in Canada. Unveiled by the Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada, the six finalists hail from different regions across the country.
The nominees for this year’s award include 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 in various mediums such as textile art, sculpture, installation, and filmmaking, with four of them exploring their Indigenous heritage through their creations.
According to Jonathan Shaughnessy of the NGC and chair of the Sobey Art Award jury, the shortlisted artists represent a diverse range of contemporary visual practices. Their innovative and transformative use of materials reflects their personal, cultural, and historical experiences.
An independent jury comprising curators and gallery professionals will select the winner of the $100,000 grand prize, to be announced on Nov. 14 at the NGC in Ottawa. Prior to the reveal, a group exhibition showcasing the finalists’ work will open on Sept. 4 at the gallery.
Tania Willard, a Secwépemc artist known for her land-based art practice, was the recipient of last year’s award. Past 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 previously honored Canadian artists under 40, but the age restriction was lifted in 2021. The award aims to amplify the voices of Canada’s most significant artistic talents.