The award-winning NZ Art Show returns next week with a vibrant showcase of extraordinary New Zealand art, continuing its streak of premier excellence in the art show industry. Celebrating artists’ creativity, diversity, and innovation across Aotearoa, this year’s show promises a dynamic art adventure for art lovers.
The event kicks off with a sold-out VIP gala, at which 1,200 guests will enjoy live music, fine wine, boutique beer, and gourmet cocktail food while getting the first look at this year’s incredible lineup of original New Zealand art.
Spanning two dynamic venues—TSB Arena and Shed 6—the show will feature works by more than 250 artists, with around 120 artists onsite for art lovers to meet and discuss their practice. With over 25% of this year’s exhibitors new to the show or early in their careers, audiences can expect a refreshing mix of established names and exciting new voices.
As New Zealand’s first, largest, and most successful art show, the NZ Art Show continues to be a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Its commitment to accessibility and affordability, with most works priced below $5,000, ensures that art remains inclusive and accessible.
Featured Artists and Collectives
Among the diverse talents on display are:
- METcALfe – A Hawke’s Bay sister duo, Amy and Kate, crafting whimsical sculptures from recycled steel drums.
- Graeme Smallfield (Auckland) – A hyper-realistic painter and the Best Still Life Award winner at the 2023 International Guild of Realism’s 17th Annual Juried Exhibition in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Wilkie Proudfoot (Wellington) – The 2024 Hyundai Emerging Artist Award winner
Additionally, the show will feature renowned artist collectives such as:
- DYED Studios, an artist collective from Wellington
- NZ Glassworks, New Zealand’s premier art glass gallery, based in Whanganui
- Space Studio & Gallery, a vibrant gallery and artist studios in Whanganui
- Art Start – a national organisation that promotes and exhibits artists aged 15–18 nationwide.
- New Zealand and Māori Art.Com – renowned artist and cultural advocate Darcy Nicholas QSO (Wellington) brings together artists working across multiple media
Art Awards – more than $30,000 in Prizes
Celebrating artistic excellence, the 2025 NZ Art Show includes six awards:
- R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture – $25,000 – sponsored by Richard T Nelson
- People’s Choice Award – $3,000 – Sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite
- Hyundai Emerging Artist Award – $1,000 – co-sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite
- The Pippy Award – $1,000
- The Precious Cargo Award – $500 – sponsored by Pack and Send, Thorndon
- The Luna Estate Wine Award
Show Days & Ticketing
The NZ Art Show will run over King’s Birthday Weekend, May 30 – June 1. TSB Arena, Wellington. Tickets are available online for just $10 until May 30. Door sales will be $15. Children 12 years and under are free
Secure your spot and experience the finest in New Zealand art.
For more details and ticket purchases, visit: www.artshow.co.nz
