Eight artists receive $50,000 each in Arts Foundation awards
Friday 16 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story Catherine Chidgey, Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi
Eight New Zealand artists have been named 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi laureates. The recipients, who work across various disciplines including theatre, literature, and visual arts, will each receive $50,000 to support their future creative work. The awards were announced at a function in Auckland.
Key facts
4 facts
- Eight artists each receive $50,000 in the 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Awards
- The total award amount is $400,000, funded by private philanthropy
- The 2026 laureates were selected by an independent panel in August
- The awards have been running since 2000
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Eight New Zealand artists have been named as the 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi laureates, with each recipient receiving $50,000. The awards, which total $400,000, were announced at a ceremony in Auckland on Friday night. The funding for these no-strings-attached awards is provided entirely through private philanthropy.
The 2026 recipients include actor and director Anapela Polata'ivao, writer Catherine Chidgey, painter Emily Karaka, visual arts collective et al., actor and filmmaker Madeleine Sami, multidisciplinary artist Sriwhana Spong, designer Tyrone Ohia, and composer Victoria Kelly. These artists work across various disciplines, including theatre, literature, visual arts, television, design, and music.
Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi director Jessica Palalagi said the awards are designed to recognise existing achievements while providing artists the freedom to decide their next steps. "The Laureate Award recognises what they have already contributed - and gives each artist the freedom to decide what comes next," Palalagi said.
The laureates were selected in August by an independent panel of creative-sector figures. This year's recipients join a community of 153 past laureates, following the 145 existing members.
How it developed
- Sat 17 Oct, 4:00amAnapela Polata'ivao discussed her recent work in the film Tinā and the importance of taking breaks after a busy period.
Where reports differ
- One report states there are 145 existing laureates, while another reports the new total is 153, including this year's recipients
Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Post.