Since 2013, Friends of Pātaka have run a biennial art awards initiative for artists living, working and/or studying in the Porirua area. The Friends of Pātaka Art Awards are held every even numbered year. Because of the growing popularity of the exhibition, in 2026 entries will be subject to a selection process.
The Art Awards entry form is online, from 8 May to 25 July 2026. Artists who are selected submit their artworks in mid August for exhibition at Pātaka Art+Museum. Further important dates are listed below.
A range of prizes is offered:
| Open Award | $1,000, plus support to use the facilities at Pātaka as the Artist in Residence for a month – Sponsored by the Smith Family |
| Highly Commended Award | $750 – Sponsored by Tommy’s Real Estate Mana |
| Jane Hyder Painting Prize | $750 – Sponsored by Jane Hyder |
| Creativity and Promise Scholarship | A NZ Diploma in Creativity (Level 5 or 6) course plus Go! the Art of Change by Jonathan Milne, all valued at over $7,000. Sponsored by The Learning Connexion |
| First Time Entry Award | $500 – Sponsored by Leina Isno |
| Viewers’ Choice Award | $500 – Sponsored by Friends of Pātaka |
Entries are through submission of an original artwork completed within 24 months of the date of entry. All entries must be available for purchase. One work per artist. There is an entry fee.
For further details please read the Conditions of Entry.
Many Friends of Pātaka Art Awards winners have gained the confidence to further their art – a few examples can be found on our Past Winner Updates page.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026
8 May 2026 – Online application goes live & entries accepted.
25 July – Online application closes at midnight.
1 August – Artists emailed with outcome of selection.
14-15 August – Artworks to be dropped off at Pātaka reception area between 11.30am and
4pm each day.
21 August 6pm – Opening function for artists + whanau and announcement of awards.
22 August – Exhibition open to the public for 8 weeks.
18 October – Final Day of exhibition – Viewers Choice Award made 2pm.
19–20 October 1pm – 4.00pm: Artists or purchasers collect their artworks from Hapori Room.
How to apply and prepare an artwork for the Art Awards, step by step
The Online application form is available here.
Any queries, please email patakafriendsartawards@gmail.com
ART AWARDS GALLERIES: 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019 • 2020 • 2022 • 2024
All past Friends of Pātaka Art Awards winners