SSNAP: Small islands with big art

Long renowned as an arts community, Salt Spring Island hosts a double feature of world-class art exhibitions. The Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) is a juried art exhibition showing contemporary art from across Canada. Its sister art show, the Parallel Art Show (PAS), highlights Southern Gulf Islands artists.

SSNAP is a biennial competition and exhibition of Canadian contemporary visual art. With artworks submitted from across Canada, the independent jury chose their top artists for the exhibition and to be in the running for $52,000 in awards (with the highest being $20,000).

This year (2025), the submissions close on May 31st and the finalists are chosen the week of July 14th, with the exhibition opening September 27th. The winner announcements will be held on October 18th, 2025.

PAS features the works of Southern Gulf Islands artists. Visitors will experience the island artists’ perspectives, concerns and interests through their themes. It’s a unique view into what’s on the minds of many who make the islands their home.

From the beginning, the goal of SSNAP has been to support national and local arts—to “recognize, showcase, and advance the accomplishments of Canadian visual artists.” Being a finalist or a winner can have a big impact on the artist and their career.

“When it was announced that I was a finalist for SSNAP [in 2021], I was overwhelmed by the realization that what I had seen through the lens of my camera when I came across, and consequently took my photograph ‘Canadian Farmhouse’, had been seen and understood through their eyes. When I deposited my winning cheque—my reward for Outstanding Work by a Salt Spring Artist—the teller drew a 1st place ribbon on my receipt. SSNAP is unlike other competitions,” says Connie Kuhns, who won the SSNAP Salt Spring Artist Award in 2021 for her photograph “Canadian Farmhouse.”

The Salt Spring National Art Prize 2025 exhibition runs September 27th – October 18 at Mahon Hall on Salt Spring Island. Tickets will become available after the finalists are announced. The Parallel Art Show runs at the same time at ArtSpring.

Related events include the SSNAP and PAS opening receptions, artist talks, and the exciting Closing Gala and Awards Ceremony.

Submitted by The Salt Spring National Art Prize