Press release
Norsewear Art - The New Zealand Contemporary Art Award.
The Norsewear Art Award, now in its 20th year begins its build up with the receiving of art works at the Hawke’s Bay
Exhibition Centre, Hastings, from 6 March 2006.
It is expected that around 400 artworks will be received, in both the 2D and 3D categories of the award. The award is
volunteer run, with a team of over 30 involved from unpacking artworks through to catalogue production and event
management.
Total prize money is now $50,000, with the winner in each of the two categories winning $20,000 and a further two merit
prizes of $5,000 to be awarded at the judges discretion. No other award for contemporary art in New Zealand awards this
much in terms of prize money for multimedia art making.
The judging takes place on 9th and 10th March with the judging panel comprised of Tim Walker of the Dowse Art Museum,
Lower Hutt as panel Chair, Martin Browne of Martin Browne Fine Arts, Sydney, Moyra Elliot, artist, writer and curator of
Auckland, Sophie McIntyre of Adam Art Gallery, Wellington.
Opening weekend events and the announcement of winners begins on 31st March with the announcement of finalists at the
Sponsors’ Evening at the newly refurbished Hawke’s Bay Opera House, Hastings. The following night is the public opening
and award presentation to be held at the Hawke’s Bay Exhibition Centre. On Sunday 2nd April the Salon des Refuses, opens
at Wine Country Gallery in Havelock North, making it a weekend art lovers will not forget.
“On the tail end of the fantastic weather being experienced in the Bay, visitors are advised to making bookings now to
be involved in this truly unique event and 20th year celebrations,” says Brenda Haldane, arts co-ordinator for the
award.
ENDS