Emerging Artist Award

Have artistic flair but not sure how to do anything with it? Want to be involved in the BOP Garden & Art Festival? Fear not – the festival team has you covered, with a not-to-be-missed opportunity.

Fledgling artists are encouraged to apply to be one of a dozen selected emerging artists who will receive free tuition in the lead-up to the November 19-22 festival. They will enjoy two full days with Tauranga artist and festival supporter Rob McGregor. If you’re interested in becoming one of this year’s Emerging Artists, simply complete the application form below before 15 April.

The Weekend Sun Emerging Artists component of the festival is to encourage would-be artists to develop their skills or to prompt existing, non-professional artists to take their work to the next level. It will provide a platform for non-professional artists or would-be artists to improve. It’s about learning, gaining confidence, and artistic exposure.

One piece by each of the Emerging Artists on the programme will be displayed at the festival gallery, at Bloom in the Bay (sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners), over the festival. From those, one artist will be named the winner and receive entry to exhibit as a festival artist in the 2028 festival, plus a cash prize. 

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Postal Address
Brief description of your work and your profile for consideration to the Festival (minimum 20 words / maximum 75 words)
Upload 4 to 6 images for our Art Committee to consider here (max file size 10Mb). Make sure all photos are named with the artists name.
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Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 6.
    • The Festival reserves the right to determine the suitability of the works for exhibition at the Festival.
    • The Festival reserves the right to hold a ballot if more artists register than there are gardens and venues.
    • The artist agrees to fill out a survey after the Festival.

    The Festival Team
    Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival
    Phone: 07 570 2525
    Email: info@gardenandartfestival.co.nz