New Awards Programme for New Generation Artists

Media release
26 July 2006

New Awards Programme to Benefit New Generation Artists

A new awards programme that will distribute $125,000 biennially to up and coming New Zealand artists was launched at a function in Auckland last night.

The New Generation Awards – a joint initiative between the Arts Foundation of New Zealand and Freemasons New Zealand - will award monetary grants to artists who have demonstrated excellence in the early stages of their careers.

Five grants of $25,000 will be presented every two years to artists from any art form for them to invest in developing their careers, including creation of new work or development opportunities such as further education.

“The Arts Foundation of New Zealand recognised the need to honour and support artistic excellence when it established the Laureate Awards for artists in mid-career and the Icon Awards to honour senior artists,” said Ros Burdon, Arts Foundation chairman.

“The Foundation believes it’s important to award and celebrate the young artists who have demonstrated richness, range, strength and depth in the early stage of their careers. These artists not only contribute significantly to New Zealand now, but are also the arts champions of tomorrow.”

David Mace, grand master of Freemasons New Zealand agreed and is pleased to be helping some of New Zealand’s talented young artists get ahead.

“The New Generation Awards will not only give artists a financial boost, but also the confidence to reach new heights in their careers.”

Neil Paviour-Smith, Managing Director of the Arts Foundation’s Principal Sponsor Forsyth Barr
said: “We applaud the Arts Foundation’s effort and commitment to New Zealand artists through the establishment of this new Award. Their work, through this and other Award programmes, ensures our artists are celebrated and supported. We welcome the Freemason’s, their contribution increases the Foundation’s distribution across all programmes from $270,000 to $395,000 in a year of the New Generation Awards.”

The first New Generation Awards will be held on 22 November 2006 at Westpac St James Theatre, Wellington. Well known glass artist, Christine Cathie has been commissioned to design the trophies to be presented to the Award recipients.

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Notes to editors:

The Arts Foundation of New Zealand
The Arts Foundation of New Zealand is a charitable trust, independent from government that invests in excellence in New Zealand Arts. The Foundation has an endowment fund, which generates income to support the arts. It encourages private individuals to support the endowment through donations and bequests. The endowment fund was originally set up through donations from the Lottery Grants Board and a three-year loan of $1 million from an anonymous patron.

www.artsfoundation.org.nz

Freemasons New Zealand
Freemasonry is a very old fraternal organization whose fundamental aims are to promote the higher ideals of life. They are concerned with human values, moral standards, the rights of the individual and a concern for all in need.

While being historically linked with science through the Royal Society, all Freemasons are urged to expand their interest in the arts. Famous Freemason artists include Mozart and Sibelius, Chagall and Hogarth, Voltaire, Kipling and Pope.

Freemasonry in New Zealand comprises almost 300 Lodges throughout the country. Its 11,000 members meet regularly to share in a special fellowship, which includes their families, and to help people through charity work and other community service.

www.freemasons.co.nz

Forsyth Barr
Forsyth Barr is one of New Zealand’s largest independent investment houses. It is a locally owned business with well-established global connections.

Forsyth Barr offers services in sharebroking and company research, investment trusts, leveraged equities, call deposits, fixed interest, retirement planning and private portfolio management.

With more than 70 years experience and 11 offices nationwide, Forsyth Barr has the expertise and knowledge to assist people with their investment needs.

Forsyth Barr is proud to support the Arts Foundation of New Zealand. Their support of the Foundation helps to ensure New Zealand’s arts and artists are celebrated and supported, to allow future generations to enjoy a rich heritage.

www.forbar.co.nz

ENDS

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