The Lysaght Watt Trust Art Award, established in 2013, is a biennial art competition that supports New Zealand artists and showcases their work across various disciplines.
History and Purpose
The Lysaght Watt Trust Art Award was inaugurated in 2013 at the Lysaght Watt Gallery in Hawera, South Taranaki. The award aims to promote and support artists in New Zealand by providing a platform for their work and encouraging public engagement with contemporary art. The main prize is $3000, generously sponsored by the Lysaght Watt Trust, which continues to attract submissions from artists across the country.
Award Structure
• Categories: The award includes various categories such as 3D and 2D. Each year, a distinguished figure in the New Zealand art community is invited to judge the entries and select the overall winner, as well as winners in different prize categories.
• People’s Choice Award: This award is given to the artwork that receives the most votes from the public by the end of the exhibition.
• Themes: Each year features a different theme, with past themes including “Daily Life,” “Yin Yang,” and “Rising.” In 2021, an Open Theme was introduced to accommodate the challenges posed by the Covid19 pandemic, resulting in a record number of submissions.
Recent Changes
In recent years, the award has transitioned from an annual to a biennial format, allowing for more comprehensive planning and engagement with the artistic community. The 2026 Lysaght Watt Trust Art Awards:
• Entries open on 1 April 2026 and close on 30 June 2026.
• Notification of selection will be on 31 July 2026.
• Receipt of chosen artworks is between 7 and 12 September 2026.
• Opening of Art Exhibition and Results announced on Saturday 26 September 2026.
• Artwork available for collection/courier pick-up between 28 and 30 October 2026.
Conclusion
The Lysaght Watt Trust Art Award continues to be a significant event in the New Zealand art calendar, fostering creativity and providing recognition for talented artists. For more details, you can visit the official website of the Lysaght Watt Gallery.