Parkin PrizeParkin Drawing Prize 2016: Call for Entries
Tuesday 16 February, 2016
Artists are invited to submit entries for the prestigious 2016 Parkin Drawing Prize, New Zealand’s only drawing competition which attracts a major prize of $20,000.
The national drawing competition, which is into its fourth year, was launched by Chris Parkin, arts patron and former owner of New Zealand’s only boutique art hotel – Museum Art Hotel in Wellington.
Selected from original art works, The Parkin Prize, in association with The Academy of Fine Arts, has established a reputation for its commitment to championing excellence, and promoting and celebrating the breadth of drawing practice within New Zealand. 10 highly commended prizes each worth $500.00 will also be offered to artists as an added incentive.
Previous recipients of the award include Monique Jansen (2013) with AO Folded Moire Drawing; Douglas Stitchbury (2014) with Observer, and Gabrielle Amodeo (2015) with The Floor We Walk On.
One reason for the prize and exhibition is to broaden the idea of what constitutes a drawing in terms of inspiration, execution and medium. Parkin was inspired to set up the prize after visiting an exhibition of works entered in Australia's Dobell Prize for Drawing, which ran from 1993 until 2012.
Parkin has committed to funding The Parkin Prize for another 20 years. The award is open to anyone who lives permanently in New Zealand or has New Zealand citizenship.
“I’ve generally been incredibly impressed with the wide range of inventive, creative and innovative works entered over the last few years. The Parkin Prize has really grown and has formed a reputation as a respected and highly valued competition, from not just the artist community but everyday New Zealanders. Every year I wait with anticipation over what to expect with the entries – I encourage artists to start planning ahead, if they haven’t already!” said Mr Parkin.
Finalists will be pre-selected by an Advisory Panel, members of which are currently under selection.
Entry forms and further information will soon be available on www.parkinprize.org.nz. Entries close at 5pm on June 17, 2016 and the winner will be announced on 2 August 2016 to coincide with a public exhibition showcasing all finalists’ works to be held at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington.
For media enquires please contact:
Rebecca Reed – Communications Manager, Museum Art Hotel
Rebecca.reed@museumhotel.co.nz