Photo: NGC, Ottawa
The Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory extends our heartfelt congratulations to Tania Willard on winning the 2025 Sobey Art Award! She will join the department in January 2026 as Associate Professor and the Belkin Art Gallery as Director/Curator.
The Sobey Art Award recognizes Canadian artists who are at a critical juncture in their careers, and whose work reflects on the contemporary moment, both nationally and globally. Tania Willard (Secwépemc and settler) weaves intergenerational knowledges of Secwépemc aunties in vibrant homage to their skill and innovation, past and present. Representing the Pacific region, she is based in Neskonlith, BC.
“It is an incredible feeling to be acknowledged alongside all the long and shortlisted artists for this award. I want to thank my husband and two sons and all my family—my practice and my life are richer because of you. I want to thank my community and nation Secwépemc people and all Indigenous people for carrying our languages and knowledges despite so many challenges that continue today—our culture is our power. I want to also thank the land, all lands that hold us. I also want to advocate and encourage all people to spend time with art—we need more of it in our lives, especially now in the face of austerity and injustice around the world,”
The 2025 Sobey Art Award Exhibition featuring the work of the six finalists Tarralik Duffy, Tania Willard, Chukwudubem Ukaigwe, Sandra Brewster, Swapnaa Tamhane, and Hangama Amiri, is currently on view at the National Gallery of Canada until February 8, 2026.
