Awards and Recognition Take Centre Stage at the 2025 NZ Art Show
More than $30,000 in prize money will be awarded at the 2025 NZ Art Show, celebrating artistic excellence and recognising both emerging and established talent from across Aotearoa.
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.
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.
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 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.
This year, two additional awards have been added to the awards pool:
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.
