TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 7, 2016) - Renowned Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky and the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival are pleased to announce the establishment of the Burtynsky Grant-a $5,000 annual grant to support a Canadian artist in the creation of a photobook.

Burtynsky has generously donated his 2016 Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts of $25,000 toward the grant, to foster the careers of emerging Canadian photographers.

"I am honoured to have been selected as a recipient of this year's Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts," said Burtynsky. "I know the importance of publishing a photobook to one's career and wanted to donate the prize money to inspire and encourage emerging Canadian photographers."

"Thank you to Edward Burtynsky for his generous support and leadership in establishing this grant," said Darcy Killeen, Executive Director of CONTACT. "CONTACT is devoted to advancing the careers of artists and this is a significant contribution to our ongoing mission."

The winner of the inaugural Burtynsky Grant will be announced at the end of CONTACT in May 2016. For details on submissions, eligibility requirements, and to apply, visit scotiabankcontactphoto.com. The application deadline is April 25.
Please email photobook@scotiabankcontactphoto.com.

About Edward Burtynsky

Edward Burtynsky is one of Canada's most respected photographers. His remarkable photographs of industrialized landscapes are included in the collections of over sixty museums around the world, including the National Gallery of Canada; the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum in New York; The Tate Modern, London; National Gallery of Art and Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; the Reina Sofia, Madrid; and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Burtynsky's distinctions include the TED Prize, The Outreach Award at the Rencontres d'Arles, The Flying Elephant Fellowship, and the Roloff Beny Book award. In 2006 he was awarded the title Officer of the Order of Canada and in 2016 he received the Canadian Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts. He is the recipient of six honorary doctorate degrees.

About CONTACT

The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival marks its 20th anniversary in May 2016. Each year, CONTACT presents the best of international photography, responding to new approaches and forms of visual expression, while showcasing a diverse range of lens-based work. CONTACT returns with an expanded program including 20 free public installations, 20 primary exhibitions and over 200 events throughout the city.

Founded in 1997, CONTACT is a charitable organization committed to celebrating and fostering the art and profession of photography.