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ILT Murihiku Art Awards 2026

He Waka Tuia

National
Awards
Cross-Discipline
July 02, 2026
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Mō mātou | About us

The ILT Murihiku Art Awards 2026 is a collaboration between the Invercargill Public Art Gallery and the Southland Art Society. Based at the vibrant He Waka Tuia art gallery in Invercargill, this annual initiative was established to celebrate, support, and elevate outstanding contemporary visual art across New Zealand. By providing a platform that welcomes all mediums - from traditional printmaking and sculpture to digital media and contemporary jewellery - the awards foster creative innovation and cross-disciplinary connection.

Mō tēnei arawātea | About this opportunity

The ILT Murihiku Art Awards 2026 invite contemporary visual artists from across New Zealand to submit their work for this national competition. This annual event offers a dynamic platform to showcase your unique work, share your creative vision, and connect with Murihiku’s vibrant artistic community. This is an opportunity welcoming creators at all stages of their career - whether you are an emerging artist or a seasoned creative. Submissions are open to all forms of visual expression.

Awards & Prizes 
Thanks to the generous and continued support of our principal sponsors, the ILT and Beattie McDowell Architects, this year's awards provide a massive $20,000 total cash prize pool to deliver significant financial backing for contemporary artists. Finalists and winners will be selected by an independent judging panel and announced at an opening event at He Waka Tuia. 

The 2026 prize categories include:

Supreme Award: $8,000
2nd Prize: $4,000
3rd Prize: $2,000
IPAG or SAS Membership Award: $2,000
Beattie McDowell Southland Award (in memory of Mick Hesselin): $2,000
Innovation Award: $1,000
People’s Choice Award: $500
Rangatahi Award: $500

Me pēhea te tuku tono |
How to apply

To streamline the application process, entries are being accepted exclusively online this year. Artists may submit up to two original, one-off artworks completed within the last 12 months, which have not been previously exhibited within the Murihiku region. 

For the entry form and conditions of entry, follow this link: 
https://tinyurl.com/42czmkb6

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