People wanting to enter the 18th Estuary Art and Ecology Awards have just two weeks left to submit their entry.
The prestigious awards are staged by Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick with a public exhibition of finalists’ works from July 6 to August 31.
They’re being judged this year by conservationist and ecologist Annette Lees, the author of numerous acclaimed non-fiction books exploring the natural world including Swim and After Dark.
It invites contemporary artists to produce new works that research and respond to environmental concerns around the Tamaki Estuary and its extensive tributaries.
The awards are supported by the Howick Local Board, Rice Family Partnership, Gordon Harris Art Supplies and the Tamaki Estuary Environmental Forum and have a prize pool of over $9,000.
Brobbel says he’s looking forward to strong interest from artists in 2024 as the awards approach their 20th anniversary.
“We’re pleased with the number of enquiries from artists eager to contribute to this year’s edition.
“I’m mindful we’re close to celebrating 20 years of the Estuary Awards, so its place in the Auckland art scene is well established.”
The 18th edition of the awards follows the same format as previously but with a renewed focus on the ecological theme at its heart.
A fresh emphasis on public programming will accompany the exhibition this year with Brobbel excited about expanding its reach.
“We’re taking the next couple of years to build momentum towards celebrating 20 years of the Estuary Awards in 2026 and ensuring we’re going into a new decade with new ambitions and energies,” he says.
Artists can submit entries up to May 31 with entry forms and terms and conditions available through the Uxbridge website.
Finalists will be notified by June 14 and their work will be displayed in the Malcolm Smith Gallery at Uxbridge.
Winners will be announced at the opening function on July 6 with the People’s Choice Award announced on September 6.
