Art
Sobey Art Award drops age limit and raises purse for long-listed artists
Canada’s most lucrative art prize is removing any age limit while raising the purse for those on its long list. The Sobey Art Foundation and the National Gallery of Canada announced Wednesday that the Sobey Art Award will now be open to emerging artists of all ages, without requiring candidates to be 40 or younger.
Twenty long-listed candidates will receive $10,000 each, an increase from $2,000. This brings the total purse to $400,000 from $240,000. The first prize will remain $100,000 while the four other finalists on the short list will still receive $25,000.
Established by the Sobey Art Foundation in 2002 and co-administered by the National Gallery, the award recognizes five emerging artists from five regions with its jury then selecting a single winner. The decision to drop the age requirement was a response to previous requests from artists and a recognition of difficult times, National Gallery director Sasha Suda said in a statement.
“It’s been a very hard time for artists across the country this year. The continuing pandemic has been a huge challenge, and we want Canadian artists to know we are listening – because the Sobey Art Award represents hope,” she said.
Bernard Doucet, Sobey Art Foundation secretary, added that artists in large urban centres have more exhibition opportunities than those in other regions, saying the aim was “to stand out as the world’s most inclusive critical art award.”
The move is part of a debate in the arts over the wisdom of age restrictions on awards for “emerging” artists; some argue the term denotes a career level rather than a stage of life, and that artists in disadvantaged groups may begin their careers later. For example, last month the Writers’ Trust of Canada dropped the 35-and-under requirement for the RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers, after the publishing community complained marginalized writers had difficulties establishing careers that young.
The National Gallery plans to unveil the 2021 Sobey exhibition of the five finalists’ work as usual this fall. (For 2020, the full Sobey Award budget was divided among 25 finalists with no further winners nor exhibition.) The gallery has been closed since December but reopens Thursday as Ottawa moves into Ontario’s orange category.
Source: – The Globe and Mail
Art
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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Art
Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Art
Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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