Recognised nationally as Aotearoa’s only art award dedicated to ecological themes, the annual Estuary Art and Ecological Awards is proudly funded by the Howick Local Board.
Featuring a total prize pool of $9,800, the winning artworks represent clever and inventive reflections on ecology within the realm of contemporary art, fostering local talent and promoting awareness of our treasured taonga.
Now in its 18th year, the awards challenge contemporary artists to create new works that explore and address environmental issues affecting the Tāmaki Estuary and its vast tributaries.
Howick Local Board chair Damian Light says, “Contemporary art has a unique way of sparking the public interest and these awards are a great example of using creativity to promote the ecological value of this vital awa (waterway) and encourage action against its pollution.”
With more than 75 entries from across Aotearoa, finalists were selected by UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture centre, Director Paul Brobbel and the centre’s Visual Arts Coordinator, Zoë May.
Brobbel adds, “The entries this year both continue the traditions of previous editions of the Awards and showcase new ideas. I’m confident visitors in 2024 will find several exciting works, equally in terms of artistic excellence and the artist’s ability to communicate ecological themes.”
The exhibition opens on Saturday 6 July 2024 and will include artwork by the following artists: Hannah Arnold, Alexander Bailey, Ngahina Belton-Bodsworth, Cathy Carter, Julia Christey, Matthew Dowman, Jocelyn Friis, Marion Gordon-Flower, Helen Harvey, Geena Zelma Hill, Niki Simpkin-Hill, Rowan Holt, Anita Hu, Judith Lawson, Alysn Midgelow-Marsden, Chris Mules, Daisy Nicholas, Ainsley O’Connell, Kate Parker, Karen Sewell, Bridget Sutherland, and Sheyne Tuffery.
The winners of the award will be announced on 6 July by this year's guest judge, ecologist, and author of numerous acclaimed non-fiction books, Annette Lees.
Guest judge Annette Lees.
Light concludes, “Each year we see artworks that inspire, educate, and inform – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re proud to continue to support these awards and the creatives who respond to them.”
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