Academy Galleries
130 years: A long and proud history
Welcome to the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts
We are self-funding Incorporated Society dedicated to the visual arts. Since 1882, the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts has occupied a unique position for the arts in New Zealand, and Wellington in particular. Throughout our illustrious history many of this country's finest Artists have been a part of our Journey.
We aim to benefit the community of New Zealand through the promotion, creation, understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts. Regular exhibitions featuring new work from established and emerging artists throughout New Zealand are held in the Academy's architectural award-winning galleries.
Parkin Drawing Prize 2019
Call for Entries
Entries for the 2019 Parkin Drawing Prize are now invited. Artists are now encouraged to prepare for this year’s prestigious competition, which attracts a major cash prize of $20,000 and national recognition.
Founded by arts patron, businessman and philanthropist Chris Parkin, the national drawing prize is now into its seventh year and has grown into a well recognised and not to be missed competition. From approximately 500 entries, a portfolio of around 80 works are chosen by a judging panel for the annual exhibition. In addition to the premier prize, another 10 highly commended prizes of $500.00 are awarded.
Unique view of NZ Army training
The New Zealand Army is offering the public a unique view of its newest soldiers in a photographic exhibition He Hōia Ahau — I Am Soldier.
Award-winning quilt created in Hospital waiting rooms
Survival Instincts is a quilt that tells a story.
Created as a document of Philippa Doyle's husband's recovery from a near-fatal fall on the Tararua Ranges, the quilt was named best contemporary quilt at a Wellington exhibition.
Etching on aluminium scoops 2018 Parkin Drawing Prize
Jacqui Colley from Lower Hutt, has been announced the winner of the 2018 Parkin Drawing Prize sponsored by Chris Parkin, arts patron and philanthropist.
Jacqui’s work Long Echo measuring 2.4 metres by 1.2 metres is a drawing etched on aluminium using acid and a combination of black oil pigment, was chosen as the winner from an impressive 463 entries nationwide and 72 finalists.
Join Us
By joining us, you share in the life of one of the oldest and most respected arts organisations in New Zealand. Helping to create an exciting artistic future.
Join our Mailing List now - click here.
Academy Artists
During the first hundred years of the Academy more than 4000 artists exhibited their work and it is still Academy policy to encourage anybody to submit their artworks for selection to our exhibitions.
Art for sale
Contemporary, Affordable, Collectable
Shop at your Academy - support the arts, fellow artists, and the Academy
If you wish to support hundreds of New Zealand artists on an ongoing basis - join us today.
You may also like to view a summary of our current Strategic Plan, or read the Academy Rules.
The Academy's gallery is also available to hire for functions.