20th Estuary Art and Ecology Awards
UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture
Funding
UP TO $5,000
Deadline
31 May 2026
Location
Auckland, NZ
About
National art awards inviting NZ artists to create contemporary works responding to the ecology and environment of the Tāmaki Estuary.
Now in its 20th year, the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards are a nationally recognised celebration of the intersection between art and environmental science. Hosted by UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, these awards invite artists from across Aotearoa to submit original contemporary works that respond to the ecology, culture, and significance of the Tāmaki Estuary.
This year's judge is Professor Charles Walker, Fletcher Construction Chair of Future Environments at AUT, who will select finalists and announce award winners at the opening event on 4 July 2026.
Finalists will be exhibited at UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture from 4 July to 3 October 2026.
Awards on offer:
- First Prize: $5,000
- Second Prize: $2,000
- Third Prize: $1,000
- Merit Awards
- People's Choice Award
Entries are welcome across a wide range of contemporary and applied art disciplines, including painting, ceramics, drawing, printmaking, photography, jewellery, sculpture, digital video, and new media.
The awards are open to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and over.
To apply, download the entry form from the submissions page, then email your completed form, artist statement, and images or video link to exhibitions@uxbridge.org.nz by midnight on Sunday 31 May 2026.
The awards are generously supported by Auckland Council's Howick Local Board, Tāmaki Estuary Protection Society (TEPS), the Rice Family Partnership, and Gordon Harris Art Supplies.