Ozzies try to muscle in on NZ Affordable Art Show

NEW ZEALAND AFFORDABLE ART TRUST
www.affordableart.co.nz

16 May 2006

Ozzies try to muscle in on New Zealand Affordable Art Show

You know something is gaining in popularity when the Ozzies try to muscle in on the act, says New Zealand Affordable Art Show Executive Director Carla Russell.

The annual New Zealand Affordable Art Show has had approaches from across the ditch to exhibit in this year’s event, Ms Russell says. However, the show is remaining true to its roots of promoting local talent and has turned the Australians away.

“It’s a New Zealand show for New Zealand artists so we said no to them. But it’s impressive to think that the show has gained so much popularity that we’re attracting international attention,” Ms Russell says.

The process of holding this year’s New Zealand Affordable Art Show is well under way and artist registrations have now closed. In total, 1200 registrations have been received, similar to that received for last year. However, sixty percent of registrations have come from new artists to the Show, Ms Russell says.

“While we’re not attracting more registrations we are attracting people who haven’t exhibited before so that’s positive. It means we’re reaching a wider audience.”

She says the wider audience is also indicative in the number of artists who have registered from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne as well as the South Island.

Approximately 700 artists will be selected to exhibit in this year’s Show. The selection criteria will be strict ensuring that the best quality work is on display.

“We’re going to be a little tougher this year. Just because we’re the Affordable Art Show does not mean we will sacrifice on quality,” Ms Russell says.

All artworks have to be submitted for selection by 10 June before the panel selecting the work to be displayed will convene. The selection panel comprises Lynne Sandri, Eva Yocum, Glenn Toms, Jo Hughes and Garth Michael, who represent a cross-section of the artistic field from artist to art supplies distributor.

The selection process will occur in mid-June and artists notified of the panel’s decision at the end of the month.

New Zealand Affordable Art Trust chairman Anthony Mellor says he has been impressed by the standard of work submitted for this year’s show.

“It’s a step up from previous years and demonstrates that the calibre of artists and work in the Show is continuing to improve year after year.”

The New Zealand Affordable Art Show will be held at the Wellington Events Centre from 3-6 August beginning with a Gala Evening on Thursday night.

ENDS

© Scoop Media