The selection process

Being selected for an Arts Foundation Awards is a remarkable thing. Remarkable, because artists have absolutely no idea they are being considered until they get a magic call offering them an award.

Arts Foundation selection processes are based on trust. Our Trustees and Governors appoint panels, or individuals from the arts community, to select recipients for awards under pre-determined criteria. The selectors must be independent from the Foundation, or its funders, and there must be a reasonable turn-over of selection panel membership from year to year. Through appointing volunteer arts experts to select recipients for us, we trust the arts community to select its own champions.

Selection panels are instructed to select artists that have demonstrated the highest standards in their practice and are committed to a career in the arts. We don't ask artists to provide us with reports on how they will apply their financial award, or require them to do anything specific. We trust that, as they are dedicated artists, they will apply their award in a manner that enables them to grow their career.

Sarah-Jayne Howard (dancer) $50,000!!  2007 Laureate Awards

Because artists don't apply, and because we don't require any specifics from them, IRD has provided a non-binding ruling that says, in almost all circumstances, the award will be non-taxable in the hands of the artist.

Our selection processes have enabled us to invest in some of New Zealand's finest artists through Laureate, New Generation and other awards produced in partnership. But this is just a start. As our Endowment Fund grows, we will be able to provide more awards for artists. You can help us create new awards for the arts by donating to the Arts Foundation.

If you are an artist and would like advice on how to receive one of our awards, there is only one thing we can suggest. Keep up the good work!  You never know, someone may be watching ...