Brett Graham announced as Guest Judge for Secondary School Art Awards 2025
Brett Graham (Supplied)
Media Release • Thursday, July 31 2025
The Arts House Trust is pleased to announce renowned Aotearoa New Zealand sculptor, Brett Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Tainui), as Guest Judge of the Secondary School Art Awards 2025.
Anita Tótha, Director of The Arts House Trust comments on the importance of the awards:
“Each year, we continue to be inspired by the incredible creative talent emerging from secondary schools across Aotearoa. On behalf of The Arts House Trust, we’re proud to offer this platform for recognition, celebration, and community.
It’s truly moving to witness the support from teachers, whānau and friends who gather to champion these young artists, especially on opening night.
We're delighted to welcome renowned artist Brett Graham as this year’s guest judge. His involvement brings a valuable layer of insight and inspiration, enriching the experience for all participating students.”
Year 11, 12 & 13 students nationwide are invited to submit a work of art into the awards which offers $2,350 in prize money across four awards and the opportunity for finalists to have their art publicly exhibited at The Arts House Trust, Pah Homestead in Hillsborough, Auckland. Shortlisted works will be judged by the Arts House Trust curatorial team and Brett Graham.
Currently represented by Gow Langsford, Graham’s large-scale sculpture, Wastelands, was acquired by the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki earlier this year following its debut at the 60th Venice Biennale. Graham has five works in the collection of The Arts House Trust, one of the country’s largest private collections of contemporary New Zealand art with over 9,500 pieces from notable and emerging artists.
Now in its 13th consecutive year, the Secondary School Art Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate emerging creative talent.
Secondary School Art Awards 2023 Winner: 'Stitching Together Memories’ by Audrey Goggin
Audrey Goggin—who won first place in the 2023 awards for her work 'Stitching Together Memories'—was encouraged by her success in awards to pursue a career in the arts and is now in her second year studying Fine Arts at Elam.
“Competitions like this give students the opportunity to be seen, rewarded, and encouraged to continue making. The recognition I’ve received from this win has been so encouraging and makes me look forward to my future as an artist and what I’m going to create next.
[2013] was my second time entering the Arts House Trust Secondary School Art Awards. [In 2012] I entered and was lucky enough to be a finalist. It was my first real group exhibition experience, which made it very exciting. I wasn’t expecting to win first place, so I was overwhelmed with emotion. It felt like all my hard work towards past competitions and this one had finally paid off — it was a great lesson about what perseverance and dedication can bring you.” Goggin said.
Entries to the Secondary School Art Awards 2025 are open until 11:59PM August 17. Finalists will be notified on August 19. Winners will be announced at the exhibition opening and awards ceremony with Brett Graham on September 11, 3:30 - 5PM.
The finalists’ work will be on display at The Arts House Trust, Pah Homestead until October 19, 2025.
Awards and entry details can be found on The Arts House Trust website: https://www.artshousetrust.co.nz/ssaa-2025