NYAA 2026
Waikato Society of Arts
Funding
$250 - $2,000 NZD per category
Opens
1 May 2026
Deadline
21 June 2026
Location
Hamilton, NZ
Entry Fee
NZD 20
About
National youth art award open to artists aged 13–25, with prizes across age categories and disciplines including sculpture, print, photography, and more.
NYAA (National Youth Art Awards) 2026 is an open art competition run by the Waikato Society of Arts, welcoming young artists aged 13–25 across three age groups: 13–14, 15–19, and 20–25 years. All media are welcome, from painting and sculpture to photography, printmaking, drawing, digital work, and performance or conceptual art.
Artists can submit up to two entries, each with up to three high-quality images, a short artist statement (max 50 words), and proof of date of birth. All works must be for sale (minimum price $125), not exceed 1500mm x 1500mm, and weigh no more than 10kg. Do not send original work until you've been notified as a finalist — finalists are responsible for freight and transport costs.
Key Dates:
- Entries open: 1 May 2026
- Entries close: 21 June 2026 at 11:59pm (you must be aged 13–25 on this date)
- Finalists notified: 29 June 2026 by 5pm
- Awards and opening night: 7 August 2026 at 6pm
- Exhibition runs: 8–29 August 2026
Prizes:
- Overall Categories Award: $1,500
- 20–25 years: First Prize $2,000 | Merit $500 | Sustainability Award $500
- 15–19 years: First Prize $2,000 | Merit $500 | Sustainability Award $500
- 13–14 years: First Prize $1,000 | Merit $250 | Sustainability Award $250
- Sculpture Award: $500
- PICT Award (performance, installation, temporal, conceptual): $500
- Print Award: $500
- Photography Award: $500
- Drawing Award: $500
- People's Choice Award: $500
The exhibition is held at WSA's home in the Artspost Building, Hamilton. Entry includes WSA membership if requested. A great opportunity for young artists across Aotearoa to gain exhibition experience and recognition.