Awards And Recognition Take Centre Stage At The 2025 NZ Art Show
With six distinct awards on offer—ranging from major sculpture prizes to youth encouragement awards—this year's event continues its proud tradition of supporting artists and championing creativity in all its forms. The prizes are made possible by the generosity of private donors and sponsors, reflecting the strength of community backing for the arts.
R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture – $25,000
Now in its fourth year, the R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture remain one of the country's most significant art prizes. Established by arts philanthropist Richard Nelson, the award highlights sculptural excellence and innovation.
This year's showcase includes 32 finalists exhibiting 56 works, with prize categories as follows:
Premier Award – $15,000
Highly Commended Awards – 2 x $1,000
People's Choice Award – $2,000
The remaining finalists receive a $250 finalist award
Hyundai Emerging Artist Award – $1,000
Jointly sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite, this award encourages promising young artists still at secondary school. Open to NCEA Level 3 students from the Greater Wellington region, it celebrates youthful creativity and ambition.
People's Choice Art Award – $3,000
Also sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite, this much-loved award allows the public to vote for their favourite artwork from a curated selection. Ten standout pieces, selected by a panel, will be displayed in a dedicated space. The most popular work wins the prize.
The Pippy Award – $1,000
This heartfelt award was created in memory of Pip Lawn. Her family and friends select and purchase a work each year that reflects Pip's vibrant love of art, with the chosen artist also receiving the Pippy Award. The prize celebrates the personal stories and emotional connections that art makes possible.
The Precious Cargo Award – $500
Sponsored by PACK & SEND Thorndon Quay, this award honours work that explores ideas of value, protection, and what we consider 'precious'. It's a reminder that art can speak powerfully to our shared human experience.
The Luna Estate Wine Award
Blending art and viticulture, the Luna Estate Wine Award will see the Luna team select an artwork to feature on the label of a future wine release. The chosen piece will reflect the ethos and spirit of Luna Estate—capturing the character of their brand through artistic expression. It's a unique opportunity for an artist to have their work showcased well beyond the gallery walls.
Executive Director Carla Russell says the awards reflect the depth and diversity of talent in the show:
'Each year, these prizes give us the chance to shine a spotlight on incredible artists—many of whom go on to achieve national recognition. We're especially proud to offer support across generations, from high school students to established sculptors.'
Winners will be announced over King's Birthday Weekend (May 30–June 1), with a VIP Preview and Gala Evening on May 29 for sponsors and Friends of the Show.
The 2025 NZ Art Show will feature over 250 artists and around 4,000 original works spanning painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, glass, mixed media and digital art. It's a celebration of New Zealand's creative spirit—and an invitation to discover your next favourite artist.
As the country's largest and most successful curated art show, the NZ Art Show remains committed to accessibility and affordability, with most works priced under $5,000.
Experience the 2025 NZ Art Show - at TSB Arena, Wellington: May 30–June 1
Tickets available now at www.artshow.co.nz
WHERE: TSB Arena & Shed 6 | Queen's Wharf | Wellington |New Zealand
WHEN: King's Birthday Weekend, 2025
VIP Preview: Thursday 29 May, 9 – 11am
Gala Evening: Thursday 29 May, 6 – 9.30pm
Show Days:
Friday – Saturday, 30 – 31 May, 10am – 6.30pm Daily
Sunday 1 June 2024, 10am – 5pm
TICKETS: Door sales are available: $15 Adult, $10 Student and Community Service card, children 12 years and under are free
Discounted pre-sales available via www.artshow.co.nz
More information can be found online - www.artshow.co.nz
About the NZ Art Show:
Statistics since 2004
20 million in art sales
$200,000 presented in art awards
30,000 artworks sold
4,000 artists represented
150,000 visitors
2023 winner of Vibrant Gold in the Wellington Gold Awards
The NZ Art Show is Aotearoa's premier annual art event, dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of New Zealand's contemporary artists. Pioneers of the NZ art market scene, established in 2004, the event has grown into a vital platform for both emerging and established artists to present and sell their work. With over 250 artists and more than 4,000 artworks on display each year, the NZ Art Show is a cornerstone of New Zealand's vibrant art community.
As Wellington's original art showcase, we take pride in fostering innovation and creativity, providing artists from across the country with the exposure they deserve. The event also serves as a unique opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and businesses to engage with artists, discover new talent, and purchase original New Zealand art.
The NZ Art Show is governed by a charitable trust, with all profits being reinvested into the arts community. Our mission is to promote the appreciation and acquisition of New Zealand art while supporting the artists themselves.
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