CELEBRATING SCULPTURE FROM AOTEAROA: $25,000
About the awards
Molded. Cast. Carved. Assembled. Melted. Shaped.
Wood. Stone. Metal. Bronze. Clay. Glass. Textile. Mixed Media
Elegance. Excellence. Craftmanship.
These prestigious awards highlight the diversity of small-scale works so that art lovers can enjoy sculpture within their homes, and are open to all New Zealand sculptors. They offer a rare opportunity for sculptors to demonstrate their talent and be recognised for their artistic vision.
A total prize pool of $25,000 will be awarded: 1 x Premier Award – $15,000; 2 x Highly Commended Awards – $1,000 each; 1 x People’s Choice Award – 2,000. The remaining finalists will receive $250 each
The award-winning NZ Art Show is proud to host the finalists, May 29 – June 1, at the TSB Arena, where the winners will be announced and all the artworks will be for sale.
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2025 FINALISTS
INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS
Who are these awards suitable for ?
The aims of these awards are to highlight the diversity and quality of New Zealand sculpture and to open opportunities for sculptors to reach an elevated level of excellence.
All New Zealand Sculptors: Part-time or full-time practitioners at any stage in their career — emerging, mid-career, or established
Dedicated Sculptors: Artists whose primary artistic practice is focused on sculpture, and who strive for excellence
Innovative Artists: Those who push the boundaries of their materials and create compelling discussions around their art practice
Small-scale Sculptors: Those who align with the aim of these awards by creating small-scale sculptural works for art lovers to enjoy within their homes
Please contact awards@artshow.co.nz if you would like to be added to our mailing list
Introducing the Judges: Hamish McKay and Karl Fritsch
We are thrilled to announce a dynamic and exciting judging duo for the 2025 RT Nelson Awards for Sculpture which are hosted by the NZ Art Show.
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce the judges for the 2025 RT Nelson Awards for Sculpture: renowned art dealer Hamish McKay and award-winning contemporary jeweller Karl Fritsch.
This blend of exceptional curatorial and gallery expertise and innovative artistry will bring an exciting new energy to the awards.
FINALISTS’ EXHIBITION
All the finalists’ sculptures will be exhibited at the award-winning NZ Art Show, May 29 – June 1, at the TSB Arena, Wellington, where the winners will be announced and all the artworks will be for sale.
Congratulations to the 2024 winners
The 2024 winners were announced at a private function on May 30 by judge Sue Elliott
Awards Founder
Richard T. Nelson is an avid art collector and philanthropist. Originally from the USA, Richard has called Wellington, NZ home for past 25 years
Richard’s love of sculpture started more than 50 years ago upon visiting a small gallery in Haiti. There he came across some beautiful works by a Haitian sculptor, Ludovic Booz. He purchased 3 elegant mahogany sculptures that he admires and appreciates to this day.
Degrees from Yale and Stanford Universities followed by a successful career in Investments has enabled Richard to pursue his love of art.
His collection holds contemporary pieces from around the world including Europe, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Haiti, Japan and Africa. His sculpture collection includes a considerable selection of smaller works, providing the inspiration for this award.
Richard appreciates the elegance and grace of sculpture, and wishes to reward technique and true craftsmanship through this award which he instigated in 2021.
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Artists and art lovers: if you would like to receive reminder notifications about the 2024 R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture, please email us at awards@artshow.co.nz and we’ll add you to our mailing list.