The jury is in: Finalists of 2018 RBC Canadian Painting Competition announced

The jury is in: Finalists of 2018 RBC Canadian Painting Competition announced

National competition celebrates 20 years of Canadian talent and diversity

TORONTO, June 27, 2018 /CNW/ - RBC and Canadian Art are pleased to announce the jury-selected 15 finalists from among 500 submissions for the 20th annual RBC Canadian Painting Competition. To mark this milestone, the competition is awarding an additional grand prize: a residency at the renowned Banff Centre for the Arts, a global leader in the development and promotion of creative work in the arts.

The jury consists of experts from across Canada's art community, as well as an International Juror:

• Natasha Chaykowski – Researcher, Writer & Curator, Calgary, AB
• Mark Igloliorte – Artist & Assistant Professor, Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Vancouver, BC
• Crystal Mowry – Senior Curator, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener, ON
• Erin Stump – Director, ESP I Erin Stump Projects, Toronto, ON
• Alexandra McIntosh – Director of Programs and Exhibitions, Fogo Island Arts, Fogo Island, NL
• Julie Trudel - Artist and Assistant Professor at Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC
• Cynthia Daignault – Artist, Brooklyn, NY, U.S.

Together they've focused on selecting works that bring forward new perspectives and support new voices being driven by emerging Canadian artists.

The 2018 RBC Canadian Painting Competition finalists are:

The winner of the 2018 RBC Canadian Painting Competition will be announced on September 18 at an awards gala at The Power Plant in Toronto. The top prize includes $25,000 and the residency at Banff Centre for the Arts. Two honourable mentions will each receive $15,000, and the remaining 12 finalists will receive $2,500 each. The paintings by the winner and two honourable mentions will be added to RBC's extensive art collection, featuring more than 4,500 Canadian works that have been collected since 1929.

Developed through RBC's Emerging Artists Project, this competition supports the careers of young contemporary artists and brings the diversity of undiscovered talent into Canada's arts landscape. In partnership with Canadian Art, RBC has supported 250 emerging visual artists over the past two decades, helping their development and growth through mentorship, financial support and national recognition.

RBC's support of the arts is a long-standing priority for the organization, as it creates opportunities for many promising new artists to commit to their craft and take their careers to the next level. The financial institution recognizes the importance of nurturing the careers of local artists and supporting a thriving Canadian visual arts community.

Quotes:

"I'm continually impressed by the creative strength of the artists and the emerging talent who enter this competition. Having this opportunity to survey practices of artists from across Canada is an exceptional experience. As we continue to follow emerging artists who've participated in this program, we're thrilled to be celebrating two decades of Canadian artists and their work."
- Corrie Jackson, Senior Art Curator, RBC

"We are impressed by the talent of this year's finalists of the RBC Canadian Painting Competition. Canadian Art is proud to be a long-standing partner in the competition, which is an important part of our mandate to support and mentor new artistic talent in Canada. Congratulations to all."
- David Balzer, editor-in-chief and co-publisher, Canadian Art

"I'm extremely grateful for RBC and Canadian Art's support and for introducing me to a strong network of emerging artists, peers and mentors. The RBC Canadian Painting Competition strengthened my practice through financial support and it continues to drive critical dialogue around contemporary painting practices."
- Ambera Wellmann, 2017 winner

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 81,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-sustainability.

Canadian Art
Canadian Art is the preeminent platform for journalism and criticism about art and culture in Canada. Our award-winning print, digital, educational and programming initiatives deliver smart, accessible ideas, stories and opinions. A national non-profit organization, Canadian Art develops and supports art writers, and engages with the work of artists, established and new. Most important, we empower diverse audiences to understand, debate and be inspired by art.

SOURCE RBC