2027 New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Awards

The Waikato Society of Arts invites entries for the 2027 New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Awards (NZPPA), a prestigious national competition celebrating excellence in painting and printmaking.

Prizes on offer:

• Paint Prize: $10,000 NZD
• Print First Prize: $10,000 NZD
• Merit Paint Prize: $2,000 NZD
• Merit Print Prize: $2,000 NZD

Who can enter?

The award is open to New Zealand citizens and residents aged 18 or over as of 17 January 2027. You may submit up to two entries, each submitted separately with its own application form and $50 entry fee.

Artwork requirements:

• Works must be original, produced by the entrant, and not previously exhibited
• Works must have been created on or after 17 January 2026
• Must be two-dimensional and suitable for wall hanging
• Maximum framed size: 1500 x 1500 x 100mm (oversized works will be disqualified)
• No cyanotypes, photograms, or digital photographs in the Printmaking category
• Works may be singular, diptych, or triptych
• Upload up to 3 JPEG images per entry via wsa.org.nz (max 3MB each, no HEIC files; label with title, not your name)

Judging:

The NZPPA is blind judged — your artist's statement (max 50 words) must not include your name. Finalists will be notified by email on 1 February 2027.

Exhibition:

The awards ceremony is a free public event on 20 March 2027 at 5pm at WSA Artspost galleries, Hamilton. The exhibition runs 21 March – 18 April 2027 and is free to the public. A 40% commission (plus GST) applies to any works sold.

Artists are responsible for delivering work to Hamilton, mounting, and arranging return courier. Artists should organise their own insurance as the WSA accepts no liability for loss or damage.

For assistance, contact the Waikato Society of Arts at wsa@wsa.org.nz.