Tania Willard emerged as the recipient of the 2025 Sobey Art Award, claiming the prestigious $100,000 prize, the largest in Canada for contemporary art. The accolade was bestowed upon her on a Saturday evening in Ottawa at the National Gallery of Canada, in collaboration with the Sobey Art Foundation.
Hailing from the Pacific region, Willard triumphed over artists nationwide, residing in the Neskonlith reserve in the B.C. Interior as a Secwépemc artist.
Expressing her gratitude, Willard remarked, “It is an incredible feeling to be acknowledged alongside all the long and shortlisted artists for this award. I want to thank my husband, two sons, family, community, and the Secwépemc people for preserving our culture and knowledge. Advocating for art appreciation, Willard emphasized the importance of art in our lives, especially during times of global challenges.”
Jonathan Shaughnessy, the director of curatorial initiatives at the National Gallery of Canada and chair of the 2025 Sobey Art Award jury, highlighted Willard’s practice rooted in Secwépemc values. He commended her diverse artistic approach, which includes using berries for ink drawings, utilizing natural elements to create poetry and operas, and collaborating with BUSH Gallery to construct immersive experiences that reflect sustainability and connection to the land.
The runners-up, including Hangama Amiri, Tarralik Duffy, Sandra Brewster, Swapnaa Tamhane, and Chukwudubem Ukaigwe from different regions, will each receive $25,000. An exhibition featuring the artworks of all finalists will be on display at the National Gallery of Canada until February 8, 2026.
With artists on the long list receiving $10,000 each, the Sobey Art Award stands as one of the world’s most significant monetary prizes for contemporary art, awarding a total of $465,000 in prize money. Previous winners of the award include renowned artists like Brian Jungen, David Altmejd, Divya Mehra, and 2024 recipient Nico Williams.
For more coverage of the Sobey Art Award, including interviews with the finalists, visit CBC Arts. The Sobey Art Award exhibition will be open at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa until February 8, 2025.