National Contemporary Art Award 2025 finalists selected from record entry number

“This reflects the vibrancy of the nation’s art scene and the essential role art plays in our society, as well as the importance of our philanthropic partners who enable us to offer such generous prizes.”

The prize pool comprises more than $30,000, with recipients selected through a blind-judging process.

The winner receives $20,000, the runner-up receives $7500 and there will also be Merit Awards of $1000 each.

The judge for the 2025 NCAA competition was Nigel Borell (Pirirakau, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Whakatōhea), curator Taonga Māori at Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira.

He has played an active role in the arts and culture sector for the past 25 years and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022.

He will select the award winners at Waikato Museum before the gallery is opened to the public.

This year’s exhibition of finalists will be held from August 1 until November 16, 2025. Entry is free.

For more information visit www.tewharetaonga.nz/NCAA

The award was previously held annually but was moved to a biennial cycle in 2023.

Of this year’s 53 finalists, nine are from Waikato.

Contemporary Art Award 2025 finalists