Tēnā koutou e ngā Tumuaki, ngā Kaiako Toi, me ngā Kaimahi o ngā Kura o te Rohe o Clutha,

Warm greetings to you all.

On behalf of Lawrence Creative Arts, I warmly invite your school to participate in the third annual Clutha Youth Art Competition.

Now in its third year, the competition celebrates the creativity, imagination, and artistic voices of our tamariki and rangatahi throughout the Clutha District. The exhibition provides young artists with the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professionally curated public gallery while sharing their unique perspectives with the wider community. We also offer significant cash prizes to assist students with their future creative endeavours.

The 2026 Clutha Youth Art Competition Exhibition will once again be presented at Te Puna o Mata-Au, providing a welcoming and inspiring gallery environment. We encourage young artists of all experience levels to take part.

Ko wai ka āhei ki te whakauru? / Who can enter?
The competition is open to tamariki and rangatahi aged 8–21 years who:  

• Live within the Clutha District  
• Attend a Clutha District school  
• Or have a strong connection with the Clutha District

Closing Date: 1 October 2026

Entry Fees:  

• Tamariki (8–12 years): FREE  
• Rangatahi (13–21 years): $15 per artwork

Note: Payment instructions will be emailed after a completed Entry Form is received.

Artwork Collection:
 Our Community Arts Facilitator is available to visit your school to collect artworks by arrangement. Please email us if this service would help increase participation at your school, especially for tamariki aged 8–12 years.

What can students enter?
We welcome original artwork across a wide range of creative disciplines, including:  

• - Painting, Drawing, & Printmaking  
• - Ceramics & Sculpture  
• - Fibre & Textile Arts  
• - Photography & Digital Art  
• - Mixed Media & Contemporary Creative Practice

Artists using disgitak oainting software are welcome to enter, provided they disclose how AI was used and include documentation demonstrating their creative process. This competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to publicly exhibit work developed as part of their Visual Arts programme, NCEA portfolio development, or independent creative practice.

Entry Information:
Enclosed you will find the Artist Entry Pack and the Competition Poster.  

• - Completed Entry Forms should be emailed to: [email protected]  
• - A printed copy of the Entry Form must accompany the artwork upon delivery.

Delivery Locations:  

• - Any participating Clutha District Library  
• - Or directly to: 37 Whitehaven Street, Lawrence 9532

He aha ai? / Why encourage your students to enter?

The Clutha Youth Art Competition is an opportunity for tamariki and rangatahi to:  

• - Share their creativity with the community and exhibit in a professional gallery.  
• - Build confidence and celebrate their artistic achievements.  
• - Connect with other young artists from across the Clutha District.

At Lawrence Creative Arts, we believe that creativity strengthens communities. We deeply appreciate your support in nurturing the curiosity and confidence of our district's young people, and we look forward to celebrating their work at Te Puna o Mata-Au.

Download entry form here: