New Zealand’s Largest Art Show Prepares for 2011

Recent revelations about the poor financial performance of some of New Zealand’s premier arts organisations are not enough to deter the New Zealand Art Show, according to Carla Russell, the Executive Director of the New Zealand Affordable Art Trust (NZAAT), the governing body behind New Zealand’s largest art show.

“We are now open for artists to submit work for the 2011 New Zealand Art Show. A number of artists have already done so and we expect to receive many more works before entries close on 13 May.

Despite the current economic pressures we feel very confident that we are in a strong position and preparations for this year’s show are well underway,” says Carla Russell.

Carla has been overseeing the show since its inception in 2004, when it was called the New Zealand Affordable Art Show.

The New Zealand Art Show seems to have withstood the recession by showing unexpectedly healthy returns during the economic strain of the last two years.

Indeed, over the last seven years the NZAAT has sold some $5 million worth of art and over
$4 million has been returned to the artists involved. The Show has been instrumental in launching many part-time artists into full-time careers: some have been propelled onto the international market
and some have gone on to gain highly recognised awards.

The NZ Art Show is a ‘cash and carry’ exhibition and has become a significant event on New Zealand’s arts calendar. Thousands of artworks by hundreds of New Zealand artists are showcased in a stunning display, presenting an ideal platform for discovering New Zealand’s emerging artists.

The show offers something for every budget and features an extensive range; from contemporary to traditional, emerging artist to established, to collectible and investment. Emphasis is on high quality
at an affordable price.

The Trust also provides extra opportunities for artists with the creation of three important awards: the NZAAT Artist Grant, The Signature Piece Art Award and the Winesale.co.nz Art Series Design Award.

The inaugural winner of the NZAAT Artist Grant is Jordan Barnes. An emerging artist from Taranaki, Jordan receives $15,000, studio space, artistic and business mentoring and his own gallery space
at this year’s show.

The Signature Piece Art Award is a $5,000 cash prize awarded to an artist chosen by public vote at the show. Last year’s winner was Wellington photographer Steve Thomson. The Winesale.co.nz Art Series Design Award was won last year by Richard Thurston. Two of his artworks feature as wine labels on two wine varietals. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the wine is returned to the artist and the NZAAT.

This year the New Zealand Art Show runs from 28-31 July in the TSB Bank Arena, Wellington.

ENDS

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