Each year the National Contemporary Art Award brings the best in Aotearoa contemporary art to the Waikato.

Brave, colourful, and never shy. The art of now.

Each year the National Contemporary Art Award brings the best in Aotearoa contemporary art to the Waikato. The finalists on display have been selected via a blind-judging process by the 2022 judge, renowned contemporary artist Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi). Winner of the $20,000 prize will be announced at the exhibition opening.

The finalists for the 2022 National Contemporary Art Award are:

• Jana Wood
• Virginia Were
• Tira Walsh
• Hannah Valentine
• Leighton Upson
• Raukura Turei
• Natalie Tozer
• Sara (Hera) Tautuku Orme
• Mark Soltero
• David K. Shields
• Merthyr Ruxton
• Milvia Romici
• Mark Purdom
• Oleg Polounine
• Katie Mouat
• Deborah Moss
• Scott McFarlane
• Alice Jeesu McDonald
• Janet Mazenier
• Christina Little
• Glen Hutchins
• Emma Hercus
• James R Ford
• Jessica Douglas
• Ekaterina Dimieva
• Antony Densham
• Elliot Collins
• D Milton Browne
• Matthew Browne
• Gareth Barlow
• Gemma Baldock
• Matt Arbuckle
• Rachel Hope Allan
• Brett a’Court