(Words supplied by Catherine Rhodes, Percy Thomson Gallery)

The 2026 Taranaki Foundation Emergence Art Awards, now on at Stratford’s Percy Thomson Gallery, have seen 18 talented young local artists recognised, with two People’s Choice awards still to be decided.

Held every two years for Taranaki artists aged 13–26, the awards attracted 79 entries competing for more than $12,000 in prize money. The awards are generously supported by Carolyn and Kelvin Squire through the Taranaki Hauora Fund, administered by Taranaki Foundation.

Phil Hinton (Chair, Taranaki Foundation), Theresa Cayley (Taranaki Foundation), Carolyn Squire, Kelvin Squire, Catherine Rhodes (Director, Percy Thomson Gallery), Rhiannon Higgs (Taranaki Hauora Fund Award winner) and Josh Hickford (Taranaki Foundation).

The Awards form part of a legacy fund established in memory of the Squires’ beloved son, Leon, who passed away in 2017.

“At the heart of the competition is hauora (wellbeing),” says Percy Thomson Gallery Director Catherine Rhodes.

“The exhibition seeks to affirm the power of art, culture and creativity to provide both an outlet and a safe space for young people.

“This year we received entries spanning painting, photography, fibre art, sculpture, mixed media and printmaking, with works of an exceptionally high standard. Every entrant should feel incredibly proud of their creativity, motivation and courage in getting to this point.”

Taranaki Foundation Chief Executive Josh Hickford says the awards reflect the vision behind the Taranaki Hauora Fund.

“At the heart of the Fund is a simple belief: creativity matters. Carolyn and Kelvin have long believed that when young people are encouraged to follow their passions, develop their talents and express themselves creatively, they are more likely to experience purpose, fulfilment and wellbeing.

“Emergence brings that vision to life. It gives our rangatahi a space to explore their creativity, share their work and build confidence in their voice. We are grateful to the Squire family for their generosity and the lasting legacy they continue to create for young people across Taranaki.”

The exhibition opened on 26 June, with 18 award winners announced across a range of disciplines and age categories. Winners were selected by an independent judging panel comprising Simon Gennard (Curator Contemporary Art and Collections, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre), Michaela Stoneman (Arts Coordinator, South Taranaki District Council) and Rujula Chitnis, Supreme Winner of the 2024 Emergence Art Awards.

“I’m deeply grateful to our judges, who had a challenging task but took the time to engage with every entry, getting to know each artist’s work and intent,” Catherine says.

The Supreme Award was presented to Maddy Hinton, a student at Spotswood College, for the work Corrosive Chaos. Alongside the cash prize, Maddy also received a sculpture by acclaimed bronze artist and former art teacher John Tullett.

 
The Supreme Award was presented to Maddy Hinton, a student at Spotswood College, for the work Corrosive Chaos. Image on left: (judge), Maddy Hinton (Supreme Winner) and Michaela Stoneman (judge). Photographer Pip Guthrie.

Visitors to the exhibition can still vote for the two People’s Choice awards before the exhibition closes on Sunday 26 July. Many of the artworks are also available for purchase.

“Buying a work is another wonderful way to support and celebrate a talented young local artist,” Catherine says.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Taranaki Foundation Emergence Art Awards

26 June – 26 July 2026

Award winners

  • Supreme Winner: Maddy Hinton
  • Second: Blake Tanner
  • Third: Amelia Prestidge
  • Highly Commended: Tessa Barry
  • Painting: Dinah Symons
  • Photography: Jasper Rhodes
  • 2D: Abby Rogers
  • 3D: Jesica Howard
  • Fibre Art: Fiona Chunyi Peng
  • Senior School (15–18 years) Winner: Julian Leach
  • Senior School (15–18 years) Highly Commended: Laura Balsom
  • Junior School (13–14 years) Winner: Ayaka McKenzie
  • Junior School (13–14 years) Highly Commended: Adin Welch
  • Toi Māori Winner: Kowhai Rumbal
  • Toi Māori Highly Commended: Riagan Woods
  • Taranaki Hauora Fund Award: Rhiannon Higgs
  • Judges’ Encouragement Award: Mia Wade
  • Director’s Choice: Imogen Sargent