EQ Bank Honors Recipients of the 2025 Emerging Digital Artists Award
EQ Bank proudly announces the recipients of the esteemed 2025 Emerging Digital Artists Award (EDAA), the premier Canadian award recognizing innovation and creativity in the digital art realm. Established in 2015, this annual recognition aims to promote new talent across various media including video, animation, web art, game development, and immersive technologies.
Meet the Award Recipients
The five talented artists honored this year come from diverse backgrounds and will be showcased for their groundbreaking work. Here are the recipients in their respective categories:
- Still Image – Eva Grant, Exquisite Machines for Making Anything But Children
Eva, a Queer, St?át?imc-Eurasian artist from Victoria, BC, utilizes her art to blend Land-based storytelling with speculative design, aiming to ignite discussions around Indigenous sovereignty and ecological futures. - Moving Image – Alex Gibson, Untitled Passage
Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Alex is an interdisciplinary artist who explores queer representation and archival narratives, utilizing visual media to reflect on contemporary social issues. - 2D Interactive – Cadin Londono, El Cumbiatron
Colombian by origin but nurtured in Montreal, Cadin's curiosity for game design and coding was sparked early by observing his father. His works engage players in thought-provoking interactions. - Extended Reality – Laura Caraballo, No Me Demoro
Originally from Bogotá and currently based in Montreal, Laura's art focuses on blending physical and virtual realities, fostering communal connections through immersive experiences. - 3D Installation – Kahani Ploessl, Virtual Shiva
Kahani’s innovative approach to digital realms explores themes of spirituality and technology, uniquely connecting aspects of Hindu philosophy to the digital experience.
Recognizing Uniqueness in Digital Expression
Chadwick Westlake, President and CEO of EQ Bank, underscored the transformative role of digital artists in reshaping creative experiences. He stated, "Digital artists are redefining how we experience creativity and are unafraid to explore new mediums and question what art can be. As Canada's Challenger Bank, we share that same ethos of innovation and boldness in challenging the status quo. Supporting the EDAA for more than ten years signifies our commitment to celebrating visionary creators who strive to push cultural boundaries forward."
This year's award attracted over 130 submissions from emerging artists across Canada. A distinguished panel of judges from the digital and contemporary arts communities, including notable figures like Lillian O'Brien Davis and Bomi Yook, meticulously evaluated the entries based on their originality and technical prowess.
A Broader Range of Artistic Voices
Shannon Linde, Senior Curator, expressed her excitement regarding the geographic diversity of this year's participants. She noted, "This year's artists reflect the incredible range of voices shaping Canada’s digital art landscape. I’m grateful to our jury for recognizing such original and bold contributions, and I look forward to experiencing their works through collaborations with arts organizations nationwide."
Each awardee will be celebrated with a $5,000 cash prize in addition to a one-year subscription to a prominent art resource. Their works will be featured in a touring exhibition starting at Gallery TPW in Toronto and will subsequently travel to various art centers across the country, allowing a broader audience to engage with these remarkable pieces.
For more insights into the winning artworks and the artists' creative journeys, the EDAA press package offers a comprehensive overview.
About the Emerging Digital Artists Award
The Emerging Digital Artists Award, presented by EQ Bank, designs a platform for experimentation within digital media practices. Since its inception, it has supported over 64 artists, awarding substantial prizes to those who venture to redefine the narrative within screen-based media.
About EQ Bank
Equitable Bank is dedicated to transforming the landscape of Canadian banking with a focus on inclusion and innovation. As a prominent Challenger Bank™, it aims to provide top-notch banking services to its customers through technology-driven platforms. Recognized by customers and acknowledged in top industry rankings, EQ Bank continues to strive for excellence in enhancing personal and commercial banking experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Emerging Digital Artists Award?
The Emerging Digital Artists Award is a prestigious recognition given by EQ Bank to celebrate exceptional talent and innovation in digital media artists across Canada.
Who won the 2025 Emerging Digital Artists Award?
The 2025 award recipients include Eva Grant, Alex Gibson, Cadin Londono, Laura Caraballo, and Kahani Ploessl, each recognized for their unique contributions to digital art.
How are the award recipients selected?
The awardees are chosen through a competitive submission process, evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges from the arts community based on creativity, originality, and technical expertise.
What are the benefits for award recipients?
Apart from a $5,000 cash prize, awardees receive a one-year subscription to a leading art platform and exposure through a touring group exhibition.
Where will the award-winning works be displayed?
The winning artworks will be showcased in a touring exhibition starting at Gallery TPW in Toronto, continuing to several other art venues for wider audience engagement.
