Celebrating sculpture from Aotearoa
A unique opportunity for Aotearoa’s finest sculptors
The R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture recognise excellence in New Zealand sculpture and and seek to foster a market for small scale sculpture, so collectors can enjoy them at home.
The awards are valued at $25,000 with a Premier Award of $15,000.
NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2024 R.T NELSON AWARDS FOR SCULPTURE ARE NOW CLOSED
All the very best to all the nominees
- Artists are nominated for this award: either by themselves, their dealer, an arts organisation or any individual
- Artists are nominated via the form below
- If the artist does not have an online presence, images of samples of artworks and an artist bio must be sent to awards@artshow.co.nz
- If an artist is nominated by someone else, the R.T Nelson Awards management team will notify the nominated artist.
- Nominations close November 30: for those who don’t have an online presence, images of artworks and artist bio are due by December 4
- 20 finalists will selected by December 8, 2023
- All the finalists artwork will be exhibited May 30 – June 2, 2024, hosted by the NZ Art Show at the TSB Arena, Wellington. All artworks will be for sale.
- Weight and size limits: no more than 80 x 80 x 80 cm, and light enough so that one person can carry it comfortably
The judging panel will award the following:
- Premier Award: 1 x $15,000
- Highly Commended Award: 2 x $1,000
- Finalists Awards: $250
In addition, there will be a People’s Choice award of $2,000 as voted for by the attendees.
THE 2023 PREMIER AWARD WINNER
Congratulations to Lower Hutt ceramic artist Anna Campbell who won the Premier Award
Her artwork Workshop #1, a ceramic and mixed media piece – pictured right – won her $15,000.
The winner was announced by judge Lynne Sandri at an awards ceremony at the NZ Art Show on June 1.
Consisting of a road cone, gas bottle and dirty rag – all made of ceramic – on an aged wooden shelf, the work is inspired by still life compositions in her studio.

Workshop #1 by Anna Campbell