2026 Laureate Awards

Black Grace performing at the 2025 Laureate Awards post-event celebrations

Join us in celebrating the outstanding artists shaping Aotearoa – our 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates.

Date:: Friday 16 October 2026
Location:: Aotea Centre
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Time:: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
6.00pm: Kai and Libations
6.45pm: Awards presentation in the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
9.00pm: Post awards drinks
Price:: $100

Eight new Laureates. One big night.

Join The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi as we honour eight new Laureates who are shaping our country with their creativity and vision.

This is the one night of the year our creative community comes together in full force. Expect kai and libations from some of the best local names, powerful performances, and the big reveal of this year’s most outstanding artists – the 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates.

Friday 16 October 2026
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

6:00PM – Kai and libations
6.45PM – Awards presentation, including performances to be announced soon!
Post – Post-awards drinks, kai, and tunes

Dress Code
Chic

Tickets
Tickets will be on sale from late July for friends who aren’t yet part of The Arts Foundation whānau.

With Thanks
This event is entirely made possible thanks to these champions of creativity: Hummingbird Coffee, Stuff, Sunday Star Times, Auckland Live, Craggy Range and Sawmill Brewery.