Toi MAHARA, the Kāpiti Coast District Gallery, is inviting young artists to submit work for the inaugural Young Artists’ Exhibition planned for later this year.
The gallery intends the exhibition to be held bi-annually to celebrate the talents of young and emerging artists from Kāpiti. Those currently living or studying outside the district are encouraged to participate if they have residential ties to the area.
Toi MAHARA Director, Janet Bayly, says “It is important to encourage and support rangatahi as creative thinking and making are useful tools for developing self-esteem and supporting health and well-being, and these are our artists and creative thinkers of the future.
“We’re delighted to create an opportunity to give young artists a chance to showcase their mahi toi and gain valuable exhibition experience. This will be an exciting new addition to our exhibition programme.”
Up to 50 entries will be selected by a panel of curators and exhibited in Toi MAHARA’s Te Manawa Toi | Coastlands Gallery from November 2024 until January 2025.
The exhibition will run during the Kāpiti Coast Art Trail, offering participating artists the opportunity to reach a wide audience and potentially sell their work.
Six awards, which include cash prizes, will be made by the selection panel. They include an Open Award; a Highly Commended Award; a Toi Māori Award; a Secondary Student Artist’s Award; a Digital Art Award; and a People’s Choice Award, voted for by gallery visitors.
Artists must be between the ages of 13 and 25 years at the time of entry. While the primary focus is on artists from Kāpiti/Horowhenua, those living elsewhere are still welcome if they have attended a Kāpiti or Horowhenua college or wānanga.
Entries close on Monday 2 September. Full details about how to enter are on the Toi MAHARA website: https://toimahara.nz/news/toi-mahara-young-artists-exhibition/
