Sobey Art Award longlist revealed: here are the northern artists…
Four artists from Canada’s northern territories have landed on the Sobey Art Award longlist, announced Thursday.
Nunavut artists Janet Nungnik, a textile artist from Baker Lake, and Annie Pillaktuaq, who works in mixed media on canvas in Iqaluit, are among those selected.
They are joined by Yukon interdisciplinary visual artist Krystle Silverfox and N.W.T. multidisciplinary artist Melaw Nakehk’o.
This year’s longlist draws five artists from each of six regions defined by the award: Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, Pacific and circumpolar.
Rounding out the circumpolar category this year in addition to the territorial artists is Melissa Tremblett from the Atlantic Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Exemplifying a wide array of materials and perspectives, the works of this year’s longlisted artists assert a compelling engagement with the present,”said Jonathan Shaughnessy, chair of the 2026 Sobey Award Jury and the director, curatorial initiatives at the National Gallery of Canada, which organizes the event.
The Sobey Art Award, established in 2002 by the Sobey Art Foundation, is one of Canada’s most prestigious prizes for contemporary art.
“For over two decades, the award has served as a window into the evolving heart of Canada’s cultural identity,” said Rob Sobey, chair of the Sobey Art Foundation, adding he hopes recognizing artists from across the country will continue to champion contemporary Canadian art at home and internationally.
The winner receives $100,000, while shortlisted finalists are awarded $25,000 each and the remaining longlisted artists receive $10,000.
The 2026 Sobey Art Award winner will be announced Nov. 14.
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