Art Show VIP And NZ Gala Evening Sold Out

The award-winning NZ Art Show returns next week with a vibrant showcase of extraordinary New Zealand art, continuing its streak of premier excellence in the art show industry. Celebrating artists' creativity, diversity, and innovation across Aotearoa, this year’s show promises a dynamic art adventure for art lovers.

The event kicks off with a sold-out VIP gala, at which 1,200 guests will enjoy live music, fine wine, boutique beer, and gourmet cocktail food while getting the first look at this year’s incredible lineup of original New Zealand art.

Spanning two dynamic venues—TSB Arena and Shed 6—the show will feature works by more than 250 artists, with around 120 artists onsite for art lovers to meet and discuss their practice. With over 25% of this year’s exhibitors new to the show or early in their careers, audiences can expect a refreshing mix of established names and exciting new voices.

As New Zealand's first, largest, and most successful art show, the NZ Art Show continues to be a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Its commitment to accessibility and affordability, with most works priced below $5,000, ensures that art remains inclusive and accessible.

Featured Artists and Collectives

Among the diverse talents on display are:

• METcALfe – A Hawke’s Bay sister duo, Amy and Kate, crafting whimsical sculptures from recycled steel drums.

• Graeme Smallfield (Auckland) – A hyper-realistic painter and the Best Still Life Award winner at the 2023 International Guild of Realism’s 17th Annual Juried Exhibition in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• Wilkie Proudfoot (Wellington) – The 2024 Hyundai Emerging Artist Premier Award winner.

Additionally, the show will feature renowned artist collectives such as:

• DYED Studios, an artist collective from Wellington
• NZ Glassworks, New Zealand’s premier art glass gallery, based in Whanganui
• Space Studio & Gallery, a vibrant gallery and artist studios in Whanganui
• Art Start - a national organisation that promotes and exhibits artists aged 15–18 nationwide.
• New Zealand and Māori Art.Com - renowned artist and cultural advocate Darcy Nicholas QSO (Wellington) brings together artists working across multiple media

Art Awards – more than $30,000 in Prizes

Celebrating artistic excellence, the 2025 NZ Art Show includes six awards:

• R.T Nelson Awards for Sculpture – $25,000 - sponsored by Richard T Nelson
• People’s Choice Award – $3,000 - Sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite
• Hyundai Emerging Artist Award – $1,000 - co-sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite
• The Pippy Award – $1,000
• The Precious Cargo Award – $500 - sponsored by Pack and Send, Thorndon
• The Luna Estate Wine Award

Show Days & Ticketing

The NZ Art Show will run over King’s Birthday Weekend, May 30 – June 1. TSB Arena, Wellington. Tickets are available online for just $10 until May 30. Door sales will be $15. Children 12 years and under are free

Secure your spot and experience the finest in New Zealand art.

For more details and ticket purchases, visit: www.artshow.co.nz

About the NZ Art Show:

Statistics since 2004

• 20 million in art sales
• $200,000 presented in art awards
• 30,000 artworks sold
• 4,000 artists represented
• 150,000 visitors
• 2023 winner of Vibrant Gold in the Wellington Gold Awards

The NZ Art Show is Aotearoa's premier annual art event, dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of New Zealand’s contemporary artists. Pioneers of the NZ art market scene, established in 2004, the event has grown into a vital platform for both emerging and established artists to present and sell their work. With over 250 artists and more than 4,000 artworks on display each year, the NZ Art Show is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s vibrant art community.

As Wellington's original art showcase, we take pride in fostering innovation and creativity, providing artists from across the country with the exposure they deserve. The event also serves as a unique opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and businesses to engage with artists, discover new talent, and purchase original New Zealand art.

The NZ Art Show is governed by a charitable trust, with all profits being reinvested into the arts community. Our mission is to promote the appreciation and acquisition of New Zealand art while supporting the artists themselves.

Our Board: Anne Stephenson (Chair), Frances Russell, Jane Hart, David Foot, Neil Paviour-Smith

Our Team: Carla Russell (Executive Director), Midge Murray, Claire Cairns

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