Entries for the 2018 Parkin Drawing Prize are now invited. Artists are now encouraged to prepare for this year’s prestigious competition, which attracts a major
cash prize of $20,000 and national recognition.
Founded by arts patron, businessman and philanthropist Chris Parkin, the national drawing prize is now into its sixth
year and has grown into a well recognised and not to be missed competition. From approximately 500 entries, a portfolio
of around 80 works are chosen by a judging panel for the annual exhibition. In addition to the premier prize, another 10
highly commended prizes of $500 are awarded.
For artists of all ages and abilities, the competition has come become an annual feature in the New Zealand Art
calendar.
“Over the years we’ve found the competition has attracted a wide range of entries – from traditional and not so
traditional works to the almost outlandish and that’s what makes this award so unique – we’ve really got the drawing
conversation going in New Zealand and are starting to see international headlines! It’s a great opportunity for young
artists to really establish a presence for themselves – if they reach the exhibition it puts their work alongside some
of New Zealand’s best established artists. I truly am excited to see what we have in store for 2018,” said Chris Parkin.
Previous recipients of the award include Monique Jansen (2013) with AO Folded Moire Drawing ; Douglas Stichbury (2014) with Observer, Gabrielle Amodeo (2015) with The Floor We Walk On, Hannah Beehre’s Catastrophe (2016) and Kirsty Lillico’s carpet installation State Block last year.
“The Parkin Drawing Prize has truly now cemented its position in the New Zealand Arts Calendar. We are proud to host
this major event which just gets bigger and better every year,” said Greg Chaston, President New Zealand Academy of Fine
Arts.
Finalists will be pre-selected by the Judging Panel in June.
Entry forms and further information are available on www.parkinprize.nz .
Entries close at 4pm on 8 June 2018 and the winner will be announced on 16 July 2018 to coincide with a public
exhibition showcasing all finalists’ works to be held at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington.