The SSNAP Jury

This group of visionary artists, curators, and art professionals brings diverse perspectives and profound expertise to the selection process, ensuring a dynamic and inspiring exhibition. Curious to learn more about the talented individuals behind the jury table? Discover below their incredible contributions to the art world.

Mireille Eagan

Mireille Eagan is a highly regarded curator and arts leader who has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador. As the Curator of Art at The Rooms, the province’s largest public art gallery, Eagan has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s collection, programming, and exhibition strategies. Her work is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich artistic heritage while also engaging with contemporary issues and artists.
At The Rooms, Eagan has championed a diverse range of exhibitions, from historical art collections that highlight the province’s visual arts traditions to cutting-edge contemporary works that reflect the complex social and cultural dynamics of the region. Her curatorial approach is informed by a keen interest in the intersection of art, history, and identity, often exploring how these elements inform and challenge narratives about Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural and geographic uniqueness.

Eagan is also committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous artists and communities, as well as providing platforms for emerging artists from the region. Under her leadership, The Rooms has made important strides in diversifying its programming, ensuring that the collection and exhibitions reflect the diverse stories of Newfoundland and Labrador’s people, cultures, and landscapes.

Through her thoughtful and innovative curatorial work, Mireille Eagan has not only enhanced The Rooms’ position as a leading institution for arts and culture in Atlantic Canada but has also contributed to a broader dialogue about art’s role in shaping collective memory and identity. Her commitment to presenting both historical and contemporary art in meaningful ways continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the region, making The Rooms an essential destination for understanding Newfoundland and Labrador’s artistic heritage and contemporary practices.

For more information regarding The Rooms please visit their website: https://therooms.ca

 

Dr. Heather Igloliorte

Dr. Heather Igloliorte is a renowned Inuit scholar, curator, and cultural leader who holds the position of Indigenous Research Chair in Circumpolar Indigenous Art at the University of Victoria. A leading figure in Indigenous art and cultural studies, Dr. Igloliorte has made significant contributions to the understanding and visibility of Inuit and other Indigenous art practices, both in Canada and internationally. Her work seeks to decolonize art history by examining Indigenous artistic practices within their cultural, historical, and geopolitical contexts, while challenging the dominant narratives that have traditionally shaped art institutions and scholarship. She is dedicated to promoting the inclusion and recognition of Indigenous artists, particularly those from Inuit communities, and advocating for greater representation in museums, galleries, and academic research.

Dr. Igloliorte has also played a pivotal role in developing collaborative projects that bring Indigenous artists and communities into conversation with scholars, curators, and institutions. Through her work, she encourages critical dialogues on the intersection of art, identity, land, and sovereignty, fostering a deeper understanding of how art contributes to Indigenous self-determination and cultural resilience.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Igloliorte is an active curator and consultant, having contributed to numerous significant exhibitions and cultural initiatives that highlight the richness and diversity of Indigenous art. Her research and curatorial projects have shaped key exhibitions such as Sakahàn: International Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Canada, which brought together over 80 Indigenous artists from around the world.

Through her leadership as the Indigenous Research Chair, Dr. Igloliorte is helping to pave the way for new, inclusive approaches to art research and curation, while empowering Indigenous artists and communities to assert their own narratives and histories. Her work is transforming the landscape of Indigenous art, making it a vital and dynamic force in the broader Canadian and global art scene.

 

Sarah Milroy

Sarah Milroy is a distinguished art historian, curator, and writer, and she currently serves as the Chief Curator at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario. A leading figure in the Canadian art world, Milroy has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the McMichael Collection, one of Canada’s premier institutions dedicated to showcasing Canadian art, with a particular focus on the work of the Group of Seven and Indigenous artists. Since joining the McMichael in 2018, Milroy has overseen numerous groundbreaking exhibitions and curatorial initiatives that emphasize diverse and contemporary interpretations of Canada’s artistic heritage. Her work has been integral in broadening the scope of the McMichael’s programming, ensuring that the collection not only honours the traditional canonical artists but also incorporates the voices and perspectives of contemporary Indigenous, Black, and other underrepresented artists in Canada.

Milroy’s vision includes fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical narratives that shape Canadian identity, while also engaging with issues of social justice, Indigenous rights, and environmental sustainability.
Under her leadership, the McMichael has continued to innovate, providing audiences with thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge conventions and encourage meaningful dialogue. Milroy’s deep knowledge of Canadian art history, paired with her passion for inclusivity and diversity, has made her an influential figure in shaping the institution’s future and its evolving role in the cultural landscape.

Her commitment to making art accessible and relevant to broader audiences is evident in the McMichael’s vibrant educational programs, community outreach initiatives, and evolving exhibitions. Through her curatorial expertise, Sarah Milroy is helping to ensure that the McMichael Canadian Art Collection remains a dynamic, inclusive, and essential institution in Canada’s art world.

For more information regarding The McMichael Canadian Art Collection please visit their website: https://mcmichael.com

 

Dr. Kenneth Montague

Dr. Kenneth Montague is a prominent Toronto-based dentist, art collector, and philanthropist, best known for founding The Wedge Collection, a dynamic and influential collection of contemporary African Canadian art. Montague, who has long been passionate about both the visual arts and cultural representation, started The Wedge Collection in the early 2000s with a clear mission to showcase the diverse, often underrepresented voices of African and diasporic artists. The collection focuses on work that explores themes of identity, race, and the African diaspora, encompassing a range of mediums such as photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. As a collector, Dr. Montague is particularly dedicated to highlighting artists whose work confronts issues of social justice, cultural narratives, and the complexities of Black identity in Canada and beyond.

In addition to building the collection, Montague has been instrumental in promoting the importance of contemporary Black art in Canada. Through The Wedge Collection, he has supported emerging and established artists, helping to amplify their voices and create opportunities for dialogue and education. His collection is regularly showcased in exhibitions, public installations, and community-oriented programs, furthering its reach and impact.

Dr. Montague’s work with The Wedge Collection not only enriches the cultural landscape but also contributes to a broader understanding of Black experiences and perspectives in the contemporary art world.

For more information regarding The Wedge Collection please visit their website: https://www.wedgecollection.org