Canada’s contemporary art scene is showcased in the shortlist for the 2026 Sobey Art Award. The finalists were announced by the Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada. The six artists selected represent different regions across Canada.
The nominees for the 2026 Sobey Art 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 drawing inspiration from their Indigenous heritage.
According to Jonathan Shaughnessy, chair of the Sobey Art Award jury, the shortlisted artists represent a diverse range of contemporary visual practice. Their artworks reflect deep personal, cultural, and material histories through innovative transformations of materials.
The winner of the $100,000 grand prize will be announced on Nov. 14 at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. Prior to the winner’s announcement, a group exhibition featuring the finalists’ work will be held at the gallery starting on Sept. 4.
Last year’s recipient was Tania Willard, known for her land-based art practice. Previous winners of the Sobey Art Award include Brian Jungen, Divya Mehra, Nico Williams, and Abbas Akhavan. Established in 2002, the Sobey Art Award has evolved to become a platform for showcasing Canada’s most significant artistic voices, with the age restriction being lifted in 2021.