Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? We may have the answer!
Can I see the artists' work in person?
Yes! The Grange Prize Exhibitions are held concurrently each year at the Art Gallery of Ontario and at the international partner institution-this year, the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College, Chicago (MoCP). The AGO will host The Grange Prize Exhibition 2010 from September 22 to December 22; the MoCP will host the exhibition from October 8 to December 23. After viewing the exhibitions, you can cast your vote right there on-site or head home and think about your choice before voting online here.
How do I vote?
Voting for The Grange Prize 2010 begins online and in-person at the AGO on Wednesday, September 22 and closes Sunday, October 31. To vote, click here. You can also send this link to your friends to encourage them to check out the artists and cast their vote.
Is the winner really decided by the public?Absolutely. The nominating jury selects the shortlist, and the public chooses the winner. All of the in-person and online votes are carefully tallied throughout the voting period and are the only determining factor in deciding the winner.When is the winner announced?
This year, the winner will be announced at a public celebration on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 7 pm in Walker Court at the AGO. Everyone is welcome to attend, and all of the artists will be present. Plus, admission to the AGO's permanent collection is FREE on Wednesday nights, so you can take another look at the exhibition while you're here!
I'm a photographer. How do I apply to be nominated for The Grange Prize?
First things first: Thank you for your interest! However, The Grange Prize does not accept any formal submissions from artists or dealers. Each year, the nominating jury - comprising four curatorial and scholarly experts - reviews the work of hundreds of artists from Canada and the international partner country, making the carefully considered (and very difficult) decision about the final shortlist. We trust their expertise. We're confident that, by generating informed discussion about contemporary photography, The Grange Prize benefits everybody working in the field.
How is the shortlist for The Grange Prize selected?
Each year, an AGO curator is appointed lead curator for The Grange Prize. In partnership with a curator from the partner institution, a nominating jury of four is selected. The jury comprises both curators plus one representative each from Canada and from the partner country. Jury members can be other curators, academics, writers, or collectors - the chief criterion is a noted expertise in contemporary photography. The jury then meets to discuss options for the shortlist, and each juror brings several potential nominees to the group for consideration. The shortlist is finalized when the jury unanimously agrees on four photographic artists - two from Canada, and two from the partner country. More information on each member of the 2010 Nominating Jury can be found here.
How are the partner countries determined?
Each year, Aeroplan and the AGO look for a partner country with a vibrant photographic community, and a partner institution that is recognized as an international leader in the field of contemporary photography. The partners are chosen according to the Prize's core goals: to recognize the best in Canadian and international photography, to create a vibrant international discussion about contemporary photography, and to increase the international profile of photographic artists.
Who were the previous years' partners?
In 2008, the partner country was China. The partner institution component of the Prize was introduced in 2009, when Mexico was the partner country, and the partner institution was Centro de la Imagen in Mexico City. 2010's partner country is the USA, and the partner institution is the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College, Chicago (MoCP).
I have a question for one of the artists. How can I contact him or her?
While we cannot facilitate direct contact between the shortlisted artists and members of the public, we encourage you to check out the artist videos to hear from them directly, and to post any responses and questions to The Grange Prize blog, which we regularly monitor and update to keep the conversation thriving.
My question isn't answered here. Can I contact you directly?
Please do! You can reach us at infograngeprize@ago.net.
