Get those creative juices flowing for the 2026 Friends Art Awards. Our biennial Art Awards is open to artists living, working or studying in Porirua. We welcome works in various media such as ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture, mixed media, etc. For inspiration, check out the all the past Awards winners and their entries in the Art Awards menu above. Online application will be available from 8 May. Important extra information, instructions, advice and tips are provided below.
NEW SELECTION PROCESS
The record 94 entries we received in 2024 was wonderful, but proved challenging for Pātaka’s space and resources to mount the quality exhibition we want for our artists. So for 2026 we are limiting the number of artworks exhibited to 60. This will require an anonymous selection process before acceptance of your artwork, which will be based on digital images of your work and an artist statement. Your application fee will not be refunded if your work is not selected. This aligns with similar awards processes at other regional galleries.
ELIGIBLE WORK
Any original work in any medium completed in the 24 months before entry by any artist living, working or studying in Porirua. One artwork per artist. All artworks must be available for sale. A 35% commission will be charged for all sales of artworks. Work selected for this award must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Because of space limitations, large installations may not be accepted. Please read the Art Awards Conditions of Entry.
IMPORTANT DATES
Online application for the Awards opens on Friday 8 May, and closes midnight Saturday 25 July. Artists will be emailed to inform them of the selector’s decision on 1 August. Selected artworks are to be dropped off to Pātaka on 14-15 August. Awards will be made at the launch on 21 August, with the exhibition at Pātaka running from Saturday 22 August to Sunday 18 October. On 19-20 October 2026, all artworks are to be picked up from Pātaka Reception between 1pm and 4pm.
SOME TIPS ON TAKING PHOTOS OF YOUR WORK
The application requires you to upload two high quality images of your work: one of the whole work, and one that shows a section of detail or technique you wish to highlight, or, for a 3D artwork, one that shows another angle. These will be used to selection of artworks for the Awards. To ensure anonymity, it is vital to name the images as ‘(title-of-artwork)-1’ and ‘(title-of-artwork)-2’. Please note that we will not display any work that is significantly different from the images provided.
Here are some tips for photographing your artwork.
- Take the photos on the best camera (or phone) that you have access to.
- Make sure the artwork is well lit: position it in indirect, bright but diffuse lighting.
- If the piece is framed behind glass, take the glass out of the frame to avoid glare/reflections.
- Use a plain background, preferably white or black.
- Photograph the artwork straight on so the sides are square to the camera.
- Aim the centre of the lens at the centre of the artwork.
- Take a detail image that shows your technique, a 3D work from a different angle, or an aspect you are particularly proud of.
If you need help with taking a suitable image, Pātaka are offering to have a photographer available at Pātaka to photograph your work, one day about two weeks before registration closes – email patakafriends@gmail.com to confirm your interest.
YOUR ARTIST’S STATEMENT
When applying you are asked to complete an Artist Statement that describes your art practice and the intention of the work/what it is about. The artist’s statement is one element of the selection process and they will be collated in a folder in the gallery for visitors to read. It is limited to a maximum of 100 words. If you are not sure what to write, here are some examples of Artist Statements from the 2024 Awards:
- Emma Hercus:“In this piece, I draw inspiration from my walks along the seafront in Plimmerton, where the beauty of washed-up shells, seaweed, and sea creatures grab my eye with their intricate patterns and muted colors. ‘Listening to the sea’ features a modern-day mythical being. She sits serenely by the shore, listening to the whispers of the ocean through kina headphones. Through this work, I aim to capture the harmony and contrast between the tranquility of her and the impending tempest, evoking a sense of wonder and contemplation.” (86 words)
- Geoff Moug: “Porirua has many amazing landscapes within view of everyday life, I have focused on the hills behind Ranui that as the morning sun rises it casts beautiful shadows in the valleys. I also hope the viewer recognises the distinct band of trees along the ridgeline. This is my largest work to date following on from smaller paintings of Rangituhi and Titahi bay and local seascapes. The foreground is designed to lead the eye towards the hills in the back as the main focus and subject of this oil painting.” (89 words)
- Sarb Kaur: “My art work represents the meaning of Porirua – the tide sweeping up both reaches – Pauatahanui Inlet and Onepoto. Created in the shape of fish hook/matau to embody Porirua’s cultural and natural heritage.” (32 words)
- Manawa Kapila: “Manawa Kapila is a 14 year old Porirua artist. He is currently studying at Tawa College. Manawa has been painting since he was a young child and in 2023 he developed a passion for landscape and seascape paintings. His preferred medium is acrylic paint on canvas. He enjoys the texture of acrylics and mixing his own colurs to create a harmonious composition.” (62 words)
PREPARING YOUR ARTWORK FOR DELIVERY
When delivered for the exhibition, all selected artworks must be presented in a manner that facilitates straight-forward presentation with appropriate display or hanging devices:
- No wet artworks or works that may emit offensive odours will be accepted.
- Multi-piece works must be ready to hang/display as one work or be attached together.
- All works with an electrical component must be accompanied by a current Safety Certificate
from a Master Electrician. - Any other concerns we may have as to safety, security, size or exhibition issues with a work
will be discussed with the artist and if the work is withdrawn, the entry fee will be refunded. - All works must have the supplied ID tag attached.
- Wall-mounted works must have D-rings attached for hanging (see below).
D-rings and their attachment
D-rings are available to purchase from Mitre-10, Bunnings or Gordon Harris.
PACKAGING
All artwork must be in protective wrappings suitable for delivery and pickup at Pātaka before and
after the exhibition.
- The supplied label must be attached to packaging.
- Packaging needs to be reusable, please do not use brown paper or materials that will tear
when unpacking the work. - If the packing is complex (eg custom packaging for 3D works) please provide photos or
instructions so the work can be repacked correctly.
For further details about presentation and other important notes, please read the Conditions of Entry.
Any queries, please email patakafriendsartawards@gmail.com