Uxbridge Arts and Culture is inviting artists to participate in the upcoming Estuary Art and Ecology Award.
In its 16th year, the prestigious environmentally-themed award is centred on the Tamaki Estuary.
With a prize pool of $10,000, the only contemporary art award in New Zealand has been a staple of the local community for more than a decade.
Artists are encouraged to research and respond to the Estuary “to underscore the ecological value of its vital waterway”.
“Artists will all have very different approaches,” Vickie Bowers, Uxbridge’s centre director, says. “It’s really about their interpretation of the Tamaki Estuary and they may choose to celebrate the area, or to challenge the degradation and pollution of the waterway.”
First place is $5000, second $2000 and third $1000. There will be two Merit Awards with a $250 prize + a $150 Gordon Harris Art Supplies voucher. Additionally, Rice Family Partnership’s People’s Choice first place will receive $1000 and two People’s Choice Merit Awards for $100.
Writer, curator and exhibition-maker Francis Whannell will be returning as a judge for the awards. He will also select a number of artworks for display outside the main gallery. These entries will also be open for the People’s Choice Award.
Entries for artist submissions close Friday May 27 at midnight.
The award ceremony is on July 2 at Malcolm Smith Gallery. The exhibition will run until August 27.
