The R T Nelson Sculpture Awards are valued at $20,000 with a premier prize of $15,000 rewarding creative talent and craftsmanship, and five highly commended prizes of $1000 each. A preliminary selection panel will select up to 50 finalists to be considered for the awards. The entry deadline is January 20, 2023. There is a limit of two artworks per entry and the cost is $30 for one artwork, and $60 for two. The judging takes place on May 31, 2023.

Hosted by the annual NZ Art Show in Wellington, all finalist artworks will be exhibited and must be available for purchase. The award winners will be announced on 1 June and the exhibition open to the public on 2 and 3 June.

Richard T. Nelson, who is an avid art collector and philanthropist, instigated the R T Nelson Sculpture Awards in 2021. His aim is to reward technique and true craftsmanship. Richard, who is originally from the USA, has lived in Wellington for the past 25 years.  

86 artworks by 65 artists were finalists in 2022, and the judge was contemporary oil painter, Lynne Sandri. Congratulations to Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole for winning the $15,000 Premier Award for their works artworks Harikoa – Aroā Nukunuku and Paki – He Taonga Tuku Iho, hand carvings embellished with crocheted neon NZ wool (pictured on the left).

To enter the awards click here