With just one week until doors open, Wellington’s waterfront is preparing to transform into a vibrant celebration of creativity, conversation, and contemporary New Zealand art as the returns for King’s Birthday Weekend.
And as anticipation builds, the Show has officially unveiled the finalists for the 2026 People’s Choice Art Award, proudly sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite.
Selected from hundreds of artworks set to feature at this year’s Show, the finalists reflect the diversity, storytelling, emotion, and creativity that continue to define the NZ Art Show experience.
Unlike traditional art awards judged solely through a critical lens, the People’s Choice Art Award embraces something broader: connection. The selected works were chosen not only for artistic excellence, but for their ability to evoke feeling, spark curiosity, tell stories, and resonate with people in different ways.
This year, the final 10 works were selected by the NZ Art Show Board of Directors, bringing together perspectives shaped by collecting, creativity, design, community, and a deep love of New Zealand art.
Visitors to the Show across King’s Birthday Weekend will then have the opportunity to cast their votes, with the ultimate decision handed over to the public. The winning artist will receive a $3,000 prize thanks to Brendan Foot Supersite.
Executive Director Carla Russell says the award perfectly captures the spirit of the Show.
“The People’s Choice Award has always been about connection,” says Russell.
“It’s not necessarily about what is technically ‘best’; it’s about the work that stops people in their tracks. The piece they keep thinking about. The one that creates conversation or emotion or curiosity.”
“One person may respond to a work because of colour or technique, while someone else connects deeply with the story behind it. That’s what makes this award so special; it belongs to the people experiencing the Show.”
The finalists span a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, from contemporary painting and realism through to abstract expression, photography, and mixed media.
Across TSB Arena and Shed 6, more than 200 artists and over 4,000 original artworks will soon fill the waterfront with painting, sculpture, photography, jewellery, ceramics, mixed media, large-scale installations, and immersive feature zones designed to invite visitors to slow down, explore, and discover something unexpected.
This year, Shed 6 is emerging as a major destination within the Show itself.
Visitors wandering through the industrial waterfront space will encounter large-scale sculpture, photography showcases, curated artist collections, emerging contemporary voices, and feature zones designed to create a more immersive and exploratory experience.
Among the highlights is the introduction of Te Reanga Toi Hou — Emerging Artists, Contemporary Toi Māori Voices, a curated showcase featuring tauira from Toi Rauwhārangi at Massey University, alongside the new Sculpture Showcase presented by the RT Nelson Foundation, integrating sculptural works throughout the Show in new and unexpected ways.
Photography is also taking centre stage in 2026, with artists capturing everything from gritty international streetscapes to quiet moments of everyday Kiwi life. From New York and California to small-town Aotearoa, the photography showcased this year reflects both global influence and deeply local storytelling.
Russell says the final week before the Show always brings a special kind of excitement.
“There’s this incredible energy that builds as Wellington starts preparing for the Show,” she says.
“Artists are arriving, works are being unpacked, sculptures are being installed, feature zones are coming together — and suddenly the whole waterfront starts to feel alive with creativity.”
“What’s exciting this year is the sense of discovery. We’ve created spaces where people can really wander, pause, and connect with the work. Shed 6 in particular has become an experience in itself.”
The 2026 event also continues the NZ Art Show’s long-standing commitment to supporting emerging artists alongside established names — offering audiences the chance to discover new talent early in their careers while also reconnecting with some of Aotearoa’s most recognised contemporary artists.
Beyond the art itself, visitors can expect a lively waterfront atmosphere across the long weekend, with artist talks, interactive experiences, cafés, bars, live music, and the return of the iconic Gala Evening on Thursday 28 May — widely regarded as one of Wellington’s signature art parties.
Whether visitors are seasoned collectors, first-time buyers, or simply looking for an inspiring Wellington weekend out, organisers say this year’s Show offers something for everyone.
“You don’t need to know anything about art to enjoy the NZ Art Show,” says Russell.
“You just need curiosity. Some people come to buy their first artwork. Others come to spend hours talking to artists or soaking up the atmosphere. It’s welcoming, accessible, and genuinely one of the most vibrant weekends on Wellington’s calendar.”
With strong ticket sales already underway, visitors are encouraged to secure tickets early and plan ahead for King’s Birthday Weekend.
Tickets are available now via the NZ Art Show website.
The event takes place Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026 at TSB Arena and Shed 6 on the Wellington Waterfront.
The finalists for the People’s Choice Art Award are:
- Kate McLeod (Christchurch) — Wax Off. Wax On.
- Sierra Roberts (Wanaka) — Pīwakawaka Hui
- Angela Sepulveda (Tasman) — Ripple Effect
- Hikurangi Edwards (Wellington) — Hinenui Te Pō
- Sarah Albisser (Wellington) — Moving Forward
- Shirley Cresswell (Waikato)— Here and Now
- Charlotte Curd (Taranaki) — Murmuration
- Bruce Mortimer (South Canterbury)— Legacy
- SWEATS (Auckland)— Oracle
- Julia Crockett (Wellington) — Joy
