The Sobey Art Award just got a little richer with the launch of a residencies program for three artists on the long list for the prestigious prize.
The annual program gives artists time, space and facilities to create new work or conduct research for future projects at three established international residencies.
The program is valued at approximately $75,000, which includes funds for travel, materials and living expenses.
This year's inaugural winners are:
- Lou Sheppard, who will participate in a three-month residency at the International Studio and Curatorial Program in Brooklyn, NY. Sheppard is of settler ancestry, was raised on unceded Mi'Kmaq territory and currently lives and works in K'jiputuk (Halifax). Sheppard's current project is a choreographic translation of the diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria.
- Life of a Craphead, the Toronto-based collaboration of Amy Lam and Jon McCurley, who will participate in a three-month residency at the Delfina Foundation in London. Their work spans performance art, film and curation. Their name comes from the opening joke of their first live comedy routine.
- Krista Belle Stewart, who will participate in a six-month residency and exhibition at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin. Stewart is a member of the Syilx Nation and is currently based on unceded Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Skwxwú7mesh territories (Vancouver). Her work has been exhibited in Canada and internationally.
The Sobey Art Foundation worked with the National Gallery of Canada to establish the program.
Marc Mayer, the gallery's director, says contemporary artists are increasingly working in performative, collaborative, experimental and research-based ways.
“These residency partners all have a reputation for comprehensive support and hospitality, as well as proven experience in supporting contemporary art," he says.
Source: National Gallery of Canada