These prestigious awards are a unique opportunity for Aotearoa’s sculptors and celebrate the diversity of small-scale works.

The awards are valued at $25,000 with a Premier Award of $15,000.

• Artists are nominated for this award: either by themselves, their dealer, an arts organisation or any individual
• Artists are nominated via the nomination form below
• There are no application of exhibition fees: the only fees incurred by artist are transport of artworks to and from the finalists’ exhibition
• If the artist does not have an online presence, images of samples of artworks and an artist bio must be sent to awards@artshow.co.nz
• If an artist is nominated by someone else, the R.T Nelson Awards management team will notify the nominated artist, where possible

• Nominations close November 30 – but, for those who don’t have an online presence, images of artworks and artist bio are not due until December 4
• 20 finalists will be selected by December 8, 2023
• Selected finalists will be notified whether they can submit 1 or 2 artworks
• All the finalists artwork will be exhibited May 30 – June 2, 2024, hosted by the NZ Art Show at the TSB Arena, Wellington. All artworks will be for sale.
• Weight and size limits: no more than 80 x 80 x 80 cm, and light enough so that one person can carry it comfortably

The judging panel will award the following:

• Premier Award: 1 x $15,000
• Highly Commended Award: 2 x $1,000
• Finalist awards: $250 each

In addition, there will be a People’s Choice award of $2,000 as voted for by attendees.

The 2023 winners were announced at a private function on June 1 by judge Lynne Sandri, with Lower Hutt ceramic artist Anna Campbell being awarded the $15,000 Premier Award

Read about the 2023 winners here.

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.