The Founders | Kaaren and Julian Brown
After several visits to Australia for family events in the 1990s, the Browns became intrigued with the idea of a prize for contemporary portraits in Canada and began to explore the possibilities. The first competition was organized and held in 2005. The Browns donated the prize money that year. The event was named The Kingston Prize in honour of the city where they had raised their family. The Browns have since continued to organize the ever-growing bi-annual competition.
At the heart of their vision, the exhibition travels cross-country, as a means to share and present contemporary portraits from an evolving creative tradition. Julian and Kaaren believe in the power of portraits to create a national community spirit through this visual and cultural dialogue.

Gertrude Kearns (2010) “Beyond Tolerance”
A portrait of Kaaren and Julian Brown