Shortlist for Canada's largest award for photography announced
Winner receives $50,000, a publishing deal and an exhibition at Scotiabank CONTACT 2012

TORONTO, March 11 /CNW/ - Continuing a longstanding tradition of supporting Canadian contemporary art, Scotiabank is pleased to announce the shortlist for the inaugural Scotiabank Photography Award, the largest award in Canada for an established Canadian photographer:

• Roy Arden, Vancouver
• Lynne Cohen, Montreal
• Robin Collyer, Toronto

"The creative vision demonstrated by each of the shortlisted artists reinforces the value of art to show us who we are as a country and how we see the world," said Jane Nokes, Executive Director, Scotiabank Photography Award and Director, Corporate Archives and Fine Art, Scotiabank Group. "This award is about showcasing Canada's best talent—it will not be easy for the jury to select one winner."

Three short listed artists were chosen in Toronto on March 10, 2011 by a Canadian jury composed of William A. Ewing, Director of Curatorial Projects, Thames & Hudson; Marie-Josée Jean, Director of VOX, Centre de l'image contemporaine; and Karen Love, Manager of Curatorial Affairs at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The Scotiabank Photography Award was created by distinguished Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky in collaboration with Jane Nokes in order to raise the profile and promote the significance of contemporary Canadian photo-based art. Mr. Burtynsky also serves as Chair of the inaugural jury panel.

Award candidates were nominated by eight independent experts from across Canada. The winner will be announced at a gala event on May 18, 2011, during the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.

The winner of the Scotiabank Photography Award will receive $50,000, a book published and distributed worldwide by art photography publisher Steidl, and a curated photography exhibition. The book and exhibition will be launched at the 2012 Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, the world's largest photography festival. The two shortlisted artists will each receive $5,000. Visit www.scotiabankphotoaward.com for more information about the award.

ABOUT SCOTIABANK:

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program 'Bright Future.' Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/