Winners of 2026 Governor General Awards, one of Canada’s top art prizes, revealed
An exhibition featuring works by all eight recipients of this year’s awards will open in New Brunswick this autumn
The eight winners of the 2026 Governor General Awards, a prominent Canadian arts prize, were announced on September 16. Among them are Chung-Im Kim, a textile artist from Ontario; Roger Lee, an art historian from Vancouver; Faye HeavyShield, a sculptor and installation artist from the Kainai First Nations; Carole Itter, a Vancouver-based artist and filmmaker; Zacharias Kunuk, an Inuk sculptor and filmmaker; Lyne Lapointe, a Quebec-based artist; Marie-Jeanne Musiol, a photographer from Quebec; and Skawennati, a Kanien kehá:ka (Mohawk) artist from Montreal.
These awards, established in 1999, recognize artistic achievements, exceptional fine craft, and outstanding contributions to contemporary visual arts, media arts or fine crafts. Each winner receives a bronze medallion and C$25,000. Carole Itter, a six-time artistic achievement award winner, is a renowned interdisciplinary artist known for her installation and performance art.
Another Vancouverite honouree, Roger Lee, received the outstanding contribution award for his work in art history. The Saidye Bronfman Award winner, Chung-Im Kim, is a Korean-born textile artist based in Ontario. Zacharias Kunuk, an artistic achievement award winner, is a renowned Inuit filmmaker who co-founded Igloolik Isuma Productions Inc. Marie-Jeanne Musiol creates photograms and experimental videos with natural materials, while Skawennati is a prominent Kanien kehá:ka artist.
The winners represent Canada's diverse artistic landscape and highlight the vital role of artists in fostering dialogue and understanding.
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