Norsewear Art Award 2005
Press Release
14th March 2005
From 7th March the entries for this year’s Norsewear Art Award arrive en masse at the Hawke’s Bay Exhibition Centre. As
the Award has evolved into a prestigious national award, the number of entries has grown from less than 300 in 1987 when
the award was in its infancy, to over 500 last year.
“We do not expect that number to increase this year although we have changed and broadened the categories for which
artists can produce entries” says Johanna Mouat, Chairman of the Norsewear Art Award Trust.
“This year we have two major categories- 2D and 3D. The 2D category includes painting, printmaking, photography and
drawing. The 3D category includes objectmaking, craft and applied arts. We made these changes in order to allow for art
forms such as sculpture to be eligible for the award . The previous entry categories were becoming a little too
restrictive”.
Interest from artists, dealers and the art world is expected to be particularly high this year after controversy was
caused last year when the judges decided not to confer the supreme award for painting, as they believed that the
standard of excellence required by the award was not achieved in this category.
“Overall the feedback we got from taking a firm stand on this was very positive and supportive. We believe that the
Award only maintains its high standing and credibility if it is attached to truly outstanding works.” says Johanna
Mouat.
The 2005 award winners will be announced on Friday April 1st at a dinner for sponsors and the exhibition will open to
the public on Saturday 2nd April.
This year will also see a return of the successful Maori & Pacific Art Market which will be held on Saturday 2nd April at Black Barn Growers Market from 10am. Last year was the
first time for the market and it was a big success both for the artists and for the many local and out of town visitors.
It is expected that the market will feature more artists along with entertainment and refreshments.
Last year also saw the inaugural Salon des Refuses held at Wine Country Gallery, Havelock North, and again this was very
successful and gave an opportunity for art lovers to view and purchase entries that were not selected for the Award
Exhibition. This allows another chance for artists to gain all important exposure and that is one of the aims of the
Norsewear Art Award 2005.
ENDS