Vancouver's Gallery Gachet is runner-up for the Lacey Prize, the first award recognizing artist-run centres in Canada.

The National Gallery of Canada announced today that the top prize of $50,000 would go to Hamilton Artists Inc. Gallery Gachet receives the $20,000 runners-up prize, tying with Calgary's Untitled Art Society.

Established this year, the award is meant to underscore the National Gallery of Canada’s commitment to building strong relationships with smaller, incubator art organizations. Every two years, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to a first-place winner, and cash prizes of $20,000 will be awarded to two runners-up. Philanthropist Dr. John Lacey has said, "The Lacey Prize is based on my belief that a national art conversation begins at the local level."

The prize was chosen by national jury members, who stressed the relevance of the new prize. The jurors said nominators repeatedly emphasized the large or isolated areas serviced by artist-run organizations, and said they worked tirelessly and inventively, with limited resources.