Middlebrook Prize is unique in bringing a modern mentorship approach to build a cohort of leaders in Canada’s visual arts community. Informed by playbooks from the technology startup ecosystem, the prize  focuses support and attention on young professionals at a critical point in their careers, when opportunities are few and far between and resources are typically scarce. The applicants, all under 30 years of age, are among the country’s best and the brightest young curators, scholars and artists. They are asked to demonstrate, through a proposal, their intellectual curiosity and considerable creative insights around the construction of an exhibition, and in return the winner is given a venue, an audience and the necessary support to disseminate their ideas to the broader public. Middlebrook is a national prize with national and international reach, while maintaining a commitment to community engagement and social innovation.