Six exceptional contemporary artists representing every region of Canada showcase visionary multimedia works in Ottawa through early January.
The Sobey Art Award officially opened its highly anticipated 2026 showcase at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, welcoming art enthusiasts, critics, and cultural leaders to celebrate the nation’s premier contemporary visual arts prize. Jointly administered with the Sobey Art Foundation, this year’s exhibition brings together six remarkable finalists whose diverse creative practices span sculpture, installation, photography, painting, film, textiles, and land-based traditions.
Celebrating Contemporary Visual Arts in Canada
Launched in the Scotiabank Great Hall, the exhibition serves as a vital platform for contemporary creators whose work redefines visual storytelling. The featured pieces investigate deep conceptual themes such as memory, language, territorial sovereignty, identity, and enduring cultural traditions. Visitors exploring the gallery spaces will encounter a rich tapestry of artistic perspectives that mirror the dynamic vitality of the modern Canadian cultural landscape.
As Canada’s most established privately funded art prize, the recognition carries substantial prestige within the international arts community. Last year’s top honor went to Tania Willard, whose multidisciplinary practice is deeply rooted in Secwépemc knowledge and aesthetics. The ongoing partnership between the gallery and the foundation continues to propel exceptional talent forward.
Meet the 2026 Shortlisted Artists and Their Works
The six regional finalists represent the vast geographical and cultural spread of the country, each bringing a distinct methodology to their respective craft. Their individual presentations highlight deep community ties and rigorous material exploration:
- Circumpolar region finalist Melaw Nakehk’o: Showcases multimedia works grounded in Dene knowledge systems, featuring soft sculptures crafted from hand-tanned caribou hide alongside paintings that honor the wildlife sustaining her community.
- Pacific region finalist Samuel Roy-Bois: Presents sculptural and photographic investigations of the built environment that examine how human existence is shaped by material encounters within institutional frameworks.
- Prairies region finalist Audie Murray: Utilizes process-based creations drawing on Métis and Cree ceremony, including a mural crafted from charcoal remnants of smudging materials and local water sources.
- Ontario region finalist Lotus L. Kang: Exhibits kinetic sculptural installations exploring memory and impermanence through photographic materials that rotate according to a poetic sonic score.
- Quebec region finalist Caroline Monnet: Addresses language, territory, and Indigenous lived experiences through multidisciplinary sculptures and embroidered works incorporating industrial construction materials.
- Atlantic region finalist Shane Perley-Dutcher: Combines professional blacksmithing training with traditional Wolastoqey ash splint basketry to create innovative sculptural reinterpretations.
Next Steps and the Upcoming Winner Announcement
The public exhibition will remain on view at the National Gallery of Canada through January 3, 2027, offering visitors ample time to engage with the displays. The culmination of this year’s competition will take place during a special celebration on November 14, 2026, when the ultimate winner will be revealed.
The recipient of the primary prize will be awarded $100,000, while each of the five remaining shortlisted finalists will receive $25,000. Additionally, longlisted artists recognized earlier in the cycle receive $10,000 each, reinforcing the foundation’s enduring commitment to supporting artists at multiple stages of their professional careers.
