CELEBRATING SCULPTURE FROM AOTEAROA: $25,000
About the awards
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 – $2,000 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.
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
Apply for the R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture Here
Please contact awards@artshow.co.nz for any queries not covered in any of the information on this website.
Congratulations to the 2024 winners
The 2024 winners were announced at a private function on May 30 by judge Sue Elliott
Awards Founder
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.