The Arts House Trust: Secondary School Art Awards 2025
11 September - 17 October
Applications open: Monday 28 July 9am
First Floor Galleries

Calling the next Robin White, Ralph Hotere, Don Binney, or Lisa Reihana!

Now in its 13th year, the annual event recognises and celebrates emerging artistic talent in New Zealad. The awards are a fantastic way to explore your artistic potential, challenge yourself, and take your passion for art to the next level.

Year 11, 12 or 13 students can submit one artwork via The Arts House Trust website. Finalists will be selected by The Arts House Trust team and will be exhibited at the Pah Homestead.

Prizes:

First prize: $1000

Second Prize: $500

Third Prize: $350

People’s Choice: $500

Key Dates:

Entries open: Monday 28 July 2025

Entries close: Sunday 17 August 2025

Finalists notified: Tuesday 19 August 2025 (and artworks must be received no later than 5pm Sunday 7 September 2025)

Finalists exhibition: Thursday 11 September to Sunday 19 October 2025

Opening afternoon tea and winners announced: Thursday 11 September 2025 - 3.30pm - 5pm

Finalists to collect artworks: From Tuesday 21 October 2025 or earlier if requested

How to enter:

Visit our website and go to the Secondary School Art Awards page to submit your entry.

Each student may submit one artwork in any of the following mediums:

Painting, drawing, photography, digital art, ceramics, sculpture, or soft materials.

Before you begin, please ensure you have:

• Your full name, email, and your art teacher’s email or parent/guardian email

• The title and dimensions of your artwork

• Up to two photographs of your artwork (max 5MB each)

• A brief description (maximum 100 words)

• Correct image file naming: FirstName_LastName_FullNameOfSchool

If you require your artwork to be returned, be ready to indicate this on the form and include a prepaid courier envelope if you’re outside Auckland.

Please note:

If your artwork is selected as a finalist, you are responsible for delivery and return of your work to/from the Pah Homestead in Auckland. If your artwork is needed for an external exam, let us know the date it must be returned

Judging will be conducted by The Arts House Trust staff.

We look forward to seeing your work – good luck!

Our 2024 Finalists:

First Place: Mung Lian Zaw, ‘Zo Lai Leng’”, Liston College, Year 13

Second Place: Albert Siasau, ‘Ofa ki Tutua nga kava’, Liston College, Year 13

Third Place: Lucy Berman, ‘Chambers of Life’, St Cuthberts, Year 12

People’s Choice Winner: 'Omedetou' by Misaki Nakamura