Entries open for 2012 National Contemporary Art Award

Entries are now open for the 2012 National Contemporary Art Award.

Hosted by Waikato Museum, this year the award is generously sponsored by Hamilton art philanthropist Barry Hopkins.

Acting Waikato Museum Director Andy Lowe is looking forward to hosting the National Contemporary Art Award now in its 11th year, which brings together the work of some of New Zealand's most exciting and emerging artists.

“The award is an essential event on the New Zealand arts calendar and a highlight for this museum. This year we’re anticipating the usual high number of entries and being a contemporary art award, our usual surprise and delight at the range of thought-provoking work it attracts,” he said.

Entries close for the 2012 National Contemporary Awards on 4 May 2012. The winner and three merit award winners will be announced at a gala opening on Thursday, 16 August before the exhibition opens from 17 August until 17 November at Waikato Museum.

There were more than 200 works entered and 42 finalists in the 2011 Bold Horizon National Contemporary Art Award. The overall winner was Andre Hemer with the work Blue Poles. Judge John Hurrell said Hemer’s work which referenced Jackson Pollock’s well-known painting Blue Poles was about myth building and art historical reputation, and what inspires (but also worries) artists living on the periphery.

The judge for the 2012 National Contemporary Art Award is to be confirmed.

Visitors to the 2011 Bold Horizon National Contemporary Art Award left a range of comments which ranged from “brave and shocking” to “glorious insanity” and “this art really made me think.”

The entry form is now online at www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/2012NCAA