Refinery ArtSpace (Arts Hub Nelson)
Funding
$1,000 - $8,000 NZD
Deadline
21 August 2026
Location
Nelson, NZ
Entry Fee
Free
A national clay art award and exhibition open to NZ-based artists, with prizes up to $8,000 and a public showcase in Nelson.
The Forsyth Barr New Zealand Clay Awards are open to anyone currently living in New Zealand and celebrate contemporary clay practice in all its forms.
Artworks must predominantly feature clay — natural, synthetic, or a combination — and may use any technique, be two or three dimensional, and any size. Free-standing, wall-mounted, or suspended works are all welcome. The emphasis is on originality and work that stretches the boundaries of clay practice with a contemporary approach. New, previously unexhibited work is prioritised.
Entry process:
Artists may submit up to 3 entries at no cost. Entry is via an online digital application form *plus* a hard copy photograph (no larger than A4) sent to PO Box 566, Nelson 7040. Both must be received by Friday 21 August 2026, 5pm.
Include optional descriptors of your work with your photographs, and consider preparing a brief overview of your practice (up to 150 words) for catalogue purposes.
Selection:
An initial selection is made from digital and physical images. Entrants will be notified of outcomes by Friday 28 August. Selected artists will then be asked to submit the actual work(s) for a final physical selection. All selected works must arrive at the new Arts Hub (formerly Refinery ArtSpace), Miller's Acre, Nelson by Friday 11 September, 5pm.
Exhibition fee:
Works selected for the final showcase are subject to a $50 per work exhibition fee. Each selected finalist receives a catalogue with their returned artwork(s).
Gallery sales:
Work for sale is subject to a 30% + GST gallery commission, though it is not compulsory to price work for sale.
Awards (announced at the Gala Opening, Friday 2 October, 5.30pm):
All entrants and guests are welcome at the Gala Opening and Awards Presentation.
