A $15,000 grant is being offered to further the career of a promising artist who will be selected from exhibitors at the New Zealand Art Show in Wellington in July.

The New Zealand Affordable Art Trust will arrange mentoring for the grant recipient who will be selected on the basis of both artistic potential and personal commitment.

Trust executive director Carla Russell said, “The selected artist will be determined, committed and have the talent to be a fulltime, self-sustaining artist.”

The grant will provide financial support for six months to allow the recipient to work fulltime as an artist and to be based in Wellington.  During this time, the trust will provide business coaching, mentoring from an established artist and assistance in planning an exhibition.

Art show selection panel convenor Lynne Sandri announced the grant at the launch of the 2010 show at the Museum Hotel in Wellington on Monday April 26. A selection panel will nominate 10 finalists and  conduct interviews to determine the grant recipient.  

The grant is the latest initiative from the trust to assist emerging artists. It follows on from the Single Artist Walls and Signature Piece Art award introduced in recent years at the annual show.

The show will once again be held at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington from Friday 30 July to Sunday 1 August. Further information can be obtained on info@artshow.co.nz or by phoning (04) 387 4370,

NB: The New Zealand Art Show is the new name for the previously named New Zealand Affordable Art Show.

http://www.artshow.co.nz/