We have honoured 99 artists with awards. In addition, 2.66 million has been distributed to artists. However, most recipients say that while receiving financial support is critical to grow the arts in New Zealand, it is the honour of receiving an award that means the most to them.
There are two reasons for this. The first is that recipients are selected by their peers, independent from the Foundations' trustees and management. The second is that the mana of each award grows as more recipients are awarded. Arts Foundation awards are living things, kept alive through previous recipient participation in award ceremonies, national touring events, in our newsletter Applause and on this website.
The Foundation has established three career stages awards. The New Generation Award is for artists in the early stage of their career. The Laureate Award is for artists working at or near their peak, but have plenty more creative juices in the tank. The Icon Award is the Foundation highest honour and is given to artists with a significant body of work and a lifetime of achievement.
In partnership with Marti and Gerrard Friedlander, the Foundation established an award for photographers. With the Harriet Friedlander Scholarship Trust, we have established a residency in New York.
From time to time the Governors of the Foundation honour an institution or individual that has contributed to the arts and the Foundation honours a patron of the arts every year.
Other awards and programmes to be established in partnership are in development. As the Foundation's endowment grows we will establish more ways to support artists.
Hear Gus Fisher speaking about the Award on TV3 News (28 April 2010)