Since its inception, the NZ Art Show has proudly awarded over $200,000 to talented artists, thanks to the generosity of arts philanthropists who are dedicated to nurturing creativity and keeping the arts thriving in Aotearoa. These awards not only celebrate artistic excellence but also provide invaluable support to help artists grow and succeed.
R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture – $25,000
Sculpture by Ben Young – 2024 People’s Choice recipient
Celebrating excellence in New Zealand sculpture, these awards aim to foster a thriving market for small-scale works. The awards include a Premier Award of $15,000, two Highly Commended Awards of $1,000 each, and a People’s Choice Prize of $2,000. All finalists receive $250 in recognition of their achievement. In 2025, Shed 6 will showcase the award finalists, with all works available for purchase.
Read more about the awards here.
People’s Choice Art Award – $3,000
Artwork by Leonie Sharp – 2024 recipient
Sponsored by Lower Hutt motor vehicle dealership Brendan Foot Supersite.
A panel of art experts selects 10 outstanding artworks from the show that embody the essence of the NZ Art Show. The pieces are curated in a dedicated area, and over the course of the show, attendees cast their votes for their favorite artwork: the artwork with the most votes is awarded the prize.
Hyundai Emerging Artist Awards – $1,000
Artwork by Wilkie Proudfoot – 2024 recipient
Sponsored by Hyundai NZ and Brendan Foot Supersite, these awards are dedicated to celebrating artistic excellence among high school students. Wellington Secondary Schools are invited to nominate students studying art at NCEA Level 3, or similar.
In 2025, Shed 6 will showcase the award finalists, with all works available for purchase.
The Pippy Art Award – $1,000
Artwork by Liz Turnbull
Created in memory of Pip Lawn, this award honours her passion for art and creativity. The Pip Lawn Art Collective aims to build a cherished collection of artworks that Pip’s friends and family can share, keeping her spirit alive through art. Each year, Pip’s loved ones will select and purchase an artwork that embodies her essence, with the chosen artist also receiving the Pippy Art Award in recognition of their work.
The Precious Cargo Award – $500
Artwork by Jaime Jenkins
Sponsored by PACK & SEND Thorndon Quay, this award celebrates a work that explores themes of value, protection, and what we consider ‘precious’ in our lives and society.
A Work of Art, A Label of Legacy
Artwork by Jane Blackmore
The Luna Estate team will select a standout artwork to feature on the label of a future wine release. The chosen piece will capture the spirit and ethos of Luna Estate—expressing the brand’s essence through bold, creative storytelling. As part of the celebration, the winning artwork will also be proudly displayed at Luna Estate for all visitors to enjoy.