The Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand Arts Awards 2012

This is it. This is where we make our stand, shout loudly and share our pride in what we know: New Zealand artists are world class, with remarkable achievements at home and on the world stage.

Every year New Zealanders gather to acknowledge the achievements of our finest artists. The Arts Foundation has established New Zealand's national celebration of the arts so that we can reflect on the significance of the arts in New Zealand and support artists with awards.

At the Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand Arts Awards, the Arts Foundation gives five $50,000 Laureate Awards and three $25,000 New Generation Awards and the $20,000 Award for Patronage. The evening also hosts a growing number of private awards produced in partnership with the Arts Foundation. These private awards include the Harriet Friedlander New York Residency, the Marti Friedlander Photographic Award and the Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award . Around $400,000 is donated annually to artists at the Awards ceremony. Artists are selected for these awards without knowing they are under consideration by independent experts appointed by the Arts Foundation. Guests are the first to find out who the recipients are and have the first opportunity to congratulate them and share in the celebrations.

The Awards evening is a black tie dinner featuring performance and display by previously awarded artists. Internationally renowned soprano and New Generation Award recipient Anna Leese performed in the finale at the 2011 Awards (pictured above). The evening also featured performances by New Generation artist Kate Parker's Red Leap Theatre Company and Laureate Jacob Rajan. Numerous galleries displayed the work of visual artists and the evening was hosted by Laureate George Henare.

Plans are underway for the 2012 Awards. The event is likely to be held at the Viaduct Event Centre on Auckland's waterfront. To register an interest in attending, please contact the Arts Foundation.

Images: Above: Anna Leese performs the finale at the 2011 Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand Arts Awards. Top left: Dame Jenny Gibbs and Witi Ihimaera. Right: David Elliot and Ann Mallinson. Left: Mayor of Auckand, Len Brown. Photos by Ken Baker.