Call for Entries: Arts Pasifika Awards (New Zealand)

The Arts Pasifika Awards by Creative New Zealand celebrate outstanding Pasifika artists and creative enterprises that demonstrate artistic excellence, cultural leadership, innovation, and contribution to New Zealand’s arts sector. The awards recognise achievements across eight categories and provide financial prizes ranging from $7,500 to $25,000 to support and honour Pasifika creative talent.

About the Arts Pasifika Awards

The Arts Pasifika Awards are established by Creative New Zealand to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Pasifika artists and creative enterprises across New Zealand.

The awards highlight the importance of Pacific arts, culture, and creativity by recognising artists working across traditional heritage practices and contemporary artforms.

The programme celebrates:

• Artistic excellence.
• Cultural contribution.
• Creative innovation.
• Leadership within the Pacific arts community.
• The impact of Pasifika creativity on New Zealand’s cultural landscape.

Purpose of the Arts Pasifika Awards

The main purpose of the awards is to acknowledge and support Pasifika artists at different stages of their creative careers.

The awards aim to:

• Celebrate outstanding artistic achievements.
• Recognise emerging and established Pasifika artists.
• Support Pacific cultural expression.
• Encourage innovation within creative industries.
• Strengthen the visibility of Pasifika arts in New Zealand.

The programme recognises both individual artists and Pasifika-led creative businesses that contribute to the growth of the arts sector.

Award Categories and Prize Amounts

The Arts Pasifika Awards include eight categories, each designed to recognise a specific type of artistic achievement.

Senior Pacific Artist Award

Prize: $25,000

This award recognises an established Pasifika artist with a significant history of artistic achievement and cultural contribution.

The award celebrates artists who have demonstrated:

• Long-term excellence in their artform.
• Leadership in the arts community.
• Strong influence on Pacific creative practices.

Pacific Toa Award

Prize: $10,000

This award recognises Pasifika artists with lived experience of disability.

It celebrates artists who demonstrate:

• Creative excellence.
• Personal and artistic leadership.
• Contribution to inclusive arts practices.

Pacific Heritage Arts Award

Prize: $10,000

This category honours artists who preserve, practise, and promote Pacific heritage arts.

It recognises contributions to:

• Traditional Pacific artforms.
• Cultural knowledge.
• Heritage practices.
• Intergenerational creative learning.

Pacific Contemporary Artist Award

Prize: $10,000

This award celebrates Pasifika artists working in contemporary creative fields.

Eligible achievements may include:

• Innovative artistic practices.
• New approaches to Pacific storytelling.
• Contemporary cultural expression.

Special Recognition Award

Prize: $10,000

This award recognises exceptional contributions to Pasifika arts and communities.

It honours individuals whose work has created meaningful cultural or artistic impact.

Emerging Pacific Artist Award

Prize: $7,500

This award supports early-career Pasifika artists who demonstrate strong potential and creative promise.

Nominees should show:

• Emerging artistic talent.
• Commitment to their creative practice.
• Early achievements and growth.

Iosefa Enari Memorial Award

Prize: $7,500

This award recognises developing Pasifika creative talent and celebrates the legacy of Iosefa Enari.

It supports artists who demonstrate commitment to Pacific arts and cultural expression.

Pacific Arts Business Award

Prize: $10,000

This award recognises Pasifika-led creative businesses that demonstrate:

• Innovation.
• Strong leadership.
• Sustainable business practices.
• Contribution to the creative economy.

Who Is Eligible?

Nominees must meet the general eligibility requirements for the Arts Pasifika Awards.

Eligible nominees must:

• Be a Pasifika artist.
• Work in one or more recognised artforms.
• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Demonstrate a proven record of artistic excellence and achievement.

Specific award categories may have additional requirements.

Examples:

• The Pacific Toa Award requires nominees to have lived experience of disability.
• The Emerging Pacific Artist Award is intended for artists in the early stages of their careers.
• The Pacific Arts Business Award is focused on Pasifika-led creative enterprises.

Eligible Creative Fields

The awards recognise artists across diverse artforms, including:

• Visual arts.
• Performing arts.
• Music.
• Literature.
• Pacific heritage practices.
• Contemporary creative practices.
• Creative enterprises.

Why the Arts Pasifika Awards Matter

Pasifika artists play a significant role in preserving cultural heritage while developing new forms of creative expression.

The awards help:

• Increase recognition of Pacific artists.
• Support creative career development.
• Celebrate cultural diversity.
• Encourage future generations of artists.
• Strengthen New Zealand’s creative sector.

By recognising Pasifika excellence, the awards contribute to a more inclusive and culturally diverse arts environment.

How to Submit a Nomination

Nomination submissions must provide detailed information about the artist or creative enterprise.

Applicants should include:

Nominee Details

Information about:

• Artist background.
• Creative discipline.
• Career history.
• Cultural contribution.

Achievement Statement

A written statement explaining:

• Major achievements.
• Artistic impact.
• Contribution to Pasifika communities.
• Leadership and innovation.

Examples of Creative Work

Supporting materials may include:

• Portfolio samples.
• Images.
• Videos.
• Publications.
• Performance recordings.
• Other evidence of artistic achievements.

Selection and Assessment Process

Nominations are reviewed through an independent assessment process.

External Assessment Panel

An expert panel made up of:

• Pasifika artists.
• Creative practitioners.
• Arts industry professionals.

The panel evaluates nominations and provides recommendations.

Final Decision

Final approval is made by the Arts Council of Creative New Zealand.

Assessment Criteria

Nominations are assessed based on:

• Quality of artistic work.
• Cultural significance.
• Innovation and creativity.
• Career achievements.
• Community impact.
• Contribution to Pacific arts.

Common Mistakes and Nomination Tips

Common Mistakes

Avoid:

• Submitting incomplete nomination information.
• Providing limited evidence of achievements.
• Choosing a category that does not match the nominee’s work.
• Failing to explain cultural and community impact.

Tips for a Strong Nomination

Successful nominations should:

• Clearly describe artistic achievements.
• Provide strong examples of creative work.
• Explain cultural importance.
• Highlight leadership and innovation.
• Match the nominee’s achievements with the correct award category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Arts Pasifika Awards?

The Arts Pasifika Awards are Creative New Zealand awards that recognise outstanding Pasifika artists and creative enterprises across New Zealand.

Who can be nominated for the awards?

Pasifika artists and creative enterprises that meet eligibility requirements can be nominated.

How many award categories are available?

There are eight award categories recognising different forms of artistic achievement.

What is the prize amount for the awards?

Financial prizes range from $7,500 to $25,000, depending on the award category.

Can emerging artists receive recognition?

Yes. The Emerging Pacific Artist Award specifically supports artists who are beginning their creative careers.

Who selects the winners?

An external panel of Pasifika artists and industry experts reviews nominations, and final approval is provided by the Arts Council of Creative New Zealand.

What information is needed for nomination?

Applicants must provide nominee details, achievement statements, and examples of the nominee’s creative work.

Conclusion

The Arts Pasifika Awards provide important recognition and financial support for Pasifika artists and creative enterprises in New Zealand. By celebrating artistic excellence, cultural leadership, and innovation, the awards strengthen the visibility and future growth of Pacific arts and contribute to New Zealand’s diverse cultural identity.