Media Release
19 April 2016
Judges announced for prestigious Parkin Drawing Award
The judging panel consisting of recognised art practitioners, arts commentators and academics have been selected for
2016 Parkin Prize national drawing award.
The prestigious award attracting a major prize of $20,000 was launched four years ago by Chris Parkin, arts patron and
former owner of Museum Art Hotel in Wellington.
Entries are now open to any NZ Citizen or permanent NZ resident. 10 highly commended prizes each worth $500.00 will also
be offered, providing an added incentive for artists.
An advisory panel, consisting of iconic Kiwi artist Dick Frizzell, Arts commentator, historian and writer Warren Feeney,
prolific New Zealand artist Judy Darragh and renowned painter Kelcy Taratoa will select the finalists for the exhibition
at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts (02 August to 28 August 2016).
The winning submission will be selected and announced by Christchurch Art Gallery Director and MNZM, Jenny Harper at the
opening of the Parkin Drawing Prize exhibition on Tuesday 2 August
“The Parkin Prize has become an award that is respected by the arts community and recognised by the general public as a national award of
significance in support of drawing in New Zealand. I’m thrilled that once again we have an outstanding advisory panel
and judge who bring the experience and acumen to the task at hand, as well as an enthusiasm and passion for the
potential of what drawing can be,’ said Chris Parkin.
The competition, in association with the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, will promote excellence and innovation in
drawing in all its forms (processes, materials and ideas) and aims to play an important role in fostering New Zealand
drawing practice.
Greg Chaston, President of the Academy of Fine Arts says “The Academy is once again pleased to be hosting the Parkin
Drawing Prize. The scope and quality of artists’ entries each year continues to probe the understandings and
expectations of art in NZ.
We’re anticipating another thought provoking and diverse exhibition for this 2016 event and encourage all artists
throughout NZ to submit work in this challenging genre.”
Entries close at 5pm on June 17, 2016. Forms and full details are available at www.parkinprize.org.nz.