TORONTO.- Continuing a longstanding tradition of supporting Canadian contemporary art, Scotiabank announced 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. For more information about the jurors and short listed artists please see attached backgrounder.

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.