Molly Morpeth Canaday Awards 2026 CALL FOR ENTRIES

Presented by Arts Whakatāne, the MMCA Planning Group and exhibition partner Whakatāne Art Gallery, Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - this annual non-acquisitive award is dedicated to excellence across all art forms within Aotearoa New Zealand contemporary art practice.
 

Proudly supported by: 

MMCA (Whakatāne) Fund

Whakatāne Art Gallery

Arts Whakatāne

Whakatāne District Council

Creative Communities

NZCT

Whakatāne Ōhōpe Community Board

MMCA 2026 Entries Are Open!

We are thrilled to announce acclaimed contemporary artist Judy Darragh as our 2026 Guest Judge, joined by an outstanding panel of Preliminary Judges: Ngaroma Riley,Matt Ellwood and Christina Barton

Over $30,000 in prizes and awards:

• Molly Morpeth Canaday Major Award – $15,000

• Akel Award Runner Up – $7,000

• Craigs Investment Partners Youth Award – $2,500

• Robinson Law Highly Commended Award – $1,800

• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Commended Award – $1,500

• Mayor’s Prize – $1,500
• Merit & Special Awards:
Our Place Magazine Merit Award - 3-page feature ($4,500 value)

• Browne School of Art Merit Award - $500

• Gordon Harris Merit Award - $500 product

• Frames by Daniel Merit Award - $500 product

• 4Artsake Gallery Merit Award - $500

• People’s Choice Award - $750

This is your opportunity to be part of one of Aotearoa’s longest-running and most respected contemporary art awards.

All information is on our website  - www.mmcaward.co.nz

Enquiries -  hello@mmcaward.co.nz