Creative Bay of Plenty extends congratulations to Constanza Briceno, Jimi Colzato, Donna Dinsdale, Debbie Tipuna, and Ruth Vickers, the Tauranga/Western Bay finalists.
The prestigious Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 2024, held at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi will officially open on Saturday February 17, marking the 38th year of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most enduring contemporary art accolades. This edition of the award features a substantial prize pool of over $25,000 supporting both emerging and established artists across the country.
The coveted Major Award will grant $10,000 to its recipient, with the Akel Runner Up Award $4,000 and the Craig’s Investment Partners Youth Award winner receiving $2,500. Additionally, a Highly Commended Award sponsored by Robinson Law is offered along with the newly announced Mayor’s Prize – a value of $1,500 each.
The opening night ceremony will also see the presentation of Merit Awards sponsored by Our Place Magazine, Gordon Harris Ltd, 4Art Sake Gallery and Frames by Daniel. The People’s Choice Award, a sought-after recognition with a prize of $500 sponsored by Whakatāne Society of Art and Craft and Anne Tolley, will be determined through visitor votes and unveiled towards the conclusion of the exhibition, which extends until April 6, 2024.
The judging process comprises two stages, with three esteemed art practitioners reviewing the 495 entries received. They have selected the 62 final works featured in the MMCA 2024 exhibition. These finalists will then undergo evaluation by Guest Judge Andrew Clifford (Director, Sargeant Gallery Whanganui), with the winning outcomes shrouded in secrecy until the awards ceremony on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
A free Judge’s talk on Sunday 18th will offer an opportunity for art lovers to gain further insight behind the judge’s thoughts and process.
The Arts Whaktāne project team has expressed excitement about the diverse array of submissions this year. ”We think the bar has really been lifted – yet again! – and we’re looking forward to seeing all of the artworks displayed together in the beautiful gallery spaces.”
Limited tickets to the exhibition opening night and award’s ceremony are available here.
Presented by Arts Whakatāne in collaboration with Whakatāne District Council, the 2024 Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award is made possible through the primary sponsorship of Molly Morpeth Canaday (Whakatāne) Fund.
View the list of finalists here.
Photo: Exhibition attendees admire MMCA 2023 Craigs Investments Partners Youth Award winner Pakuranga Highs by Brunelle Dias.
