Judy Darragh announced as Guest Judge for National Secondary School Art Awards 2026
Judy Darragh. Photo courtesy of the artist.
The Arts House Trust is delighted to announce renowned New Zealand artist Judy Darragh as Guest Judge of the National Secondary School Art Awards 2026.
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. For many participants, this is their first experience of presenting work in an exhibition context beyond their school community.
At the heart of the Awards is a commitment to recognising, celebrating, and nurturing emerging artistic talent, providing students with both encouragement and motivation to continue developing their creative journeys.
We're honoured to welcome renowned artist Judy Darragh as this year’s guest judge. Her remarkable career as an artist and art teacher, along with her longstanding commitment to supporting young artists, brings a valuable layer of insight and inspiration, enriching the experience for all participating students.”
Now in its 14th year, the Awards invite Year 11–13 students from across Aotearoa New Zealand to submit one original artwork for the opportunity to exhibit at The Arts House Trust, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and compete for a prize pool of more than $6,500. Shortlisted works will be judged by The Arts House Trust curatorial team and Judy Darragh.
Currently represented by Two Rooms (Auckland) and Jonathan Smart Gallery (Christchurch), Darragh’s work is known for brightly coloured sculptural assemblages of found objects, recycled items, industrial materials, collages, photography, video, and poster art. Her practice displays a fondness for everyday objects that is witty and provocative.
She, with Imogen Taylor, is co-editor of Femisphere, a publication supporting women’s art practices in Aotearoa, and she is a member of Arts Makers Aotearoa, an advocacy group for the visual arts. Darragh continues to exhibit extensively throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and her works are held in numerous public collections across the country.
Having taught art at secondary and tertiary levels for more than 40 years and mentored young artists throughout Aotearoa, Darragh is the ideal guest judge for the National Secondary School Art Awards.
Join us for NO GLUE!!! — A Student Workshop with Judy Darragh
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.
[2023] was my second time entering the Arts House Trust Secondary School Art Awards. [In 2022] 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 2026 are open until 11:59PM August 14. Finalists will be notified on August 17. Winners will be announced at the exhibition opening and awards ceremony with Judy Darragh on September 11, 3:30 - 5PM.
The finalists’ work will be on display at The Arts House Trust, Pah Homestead until October 18, 2026.
Awards and entry details can be found on The Arts House Trust website: https://www.artshousetrust.co.nz/ssaa-2026