About
New Tides is an annual national art competition culminating in a professionally curated exhibition at Art by the River in Whanganui.
Created by Art by the River, New Tides celebrates the breadth and diversity of contemporary art being produced across Aotearoa New Zealand while providing artists with the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional gallery environment.
The competition welcomes artists at every stage of their careers. While all eligible artists are encouraged to enter, New Tides has a particular commitment to discovering and supporting emerging, early-career and transitioning artists.
More than an Art Competition
New Tides is designed to be more than an awards programme.
Selected finalists become part of a professionally curated exhibition presented by Art by the River, giving visitors the opportunity to experience outstanding contemporary art from across New Zealand in one exhibition.
New Tides includes two awards:
The Art by the River Award, recognising an emerging, early-career or transitioning artist whose work demonstrates outstanding promise.
Cash Prize: $2,500
The Audience Award, chosen by visitors to the exhibition.
Cash Prize: $1,000
Both awards include a unique glass sculpture created by master glass artist Jo Tricker.
The Art by the River Award also includes a professional opportunity, which may include gallery representation, a solo exhibition or another opportunity considered appropriate by Art by the River.
Presented by Art by the River
New Tides is presented by Art by the River, an independent contemporary art gallery in Whanganui.
Since opening in late 2024, the gallery has presented exhibitions by established and emerging New Zealand artists alongside significant international exhibitions, including works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró and Georges Braque.
Art by the River is committed to supporting artists, encouraging collecting and bringing outstanding art to Whanganui.
Why New Tides?
The name New Tides reflects the spirit of the competition: celebrating new ideas, new opportunities and the next wave of contemporary New Zealand artists.
It also acknowledges the connection between the competition and Art by the River, where the finalist exhibition is presented.
Join Us
Whether you're entering as an artist or visiting the finalist exhibition, we look forward to welcoming you to New Tides.