Kiwi creatives are being urged to put their inspiring art forward for the Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award.
The prize pool is worth nearly $10,000 and entries for the annual awards are now open.
Hosted by Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato and supported by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, the event has seen incredible talent manipulate the infamously difficult product into stunning works for sale.
Approaching its 25th year, the award is now recognised as a celebration of true ingenuity.
In 2022, the competition will be judged by carver, sculptor and multi-disciplinary artist Eugene Kara.
With iwi affiliations to Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Tīpā, Ngāti Kōata, Ngā Rauru, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa and Ngāti Kahungunu, Kara has been a practicing artist for 30 years.
In his time at the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) in Rotorua, he has established Te Ahi Komau, NZ’s first Māori foundry and bronze casting facility.
“It’s an honour to have Eugene on board to select the finalists and eventual winners of this year’s award,” Waikato Museum director of museum and arts Liz Cotton said.
“His artworks are recognised and admired around the region, including the commanding tekoteko column beside the Cambridge exit of the Waikato Expressway.”
“Over the years, we have been privileged to witness many artists’ work through these awards. We’re proud to continue our support providing a platform for expression of creativity and the grass-roots of agriculture in New Zealand, while also connecting a community of like-minded individuals,” NZ National Fieldays Society president James Allen said.
The prize pool comprises $7000 for first place; $1000 for second; and third place takes home $500. There are also two $100 ArtsPost vouchers up for grabs in the President’s Choice and People’s Choice categories.
Entries close at 1pm on Monday, March 14, and finalists will be notified in the week of March 21.
Winners announced on April 21, followed by a month-long exhibition (April 22- May 23) at Hamilton’s ArtsPost Galleries & Shop.
To read the competition criteria and access the entry form, go to www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/no8wire