How to Enter
Entering New Tides is straightforward. Simply complete an Entry Form for each artwork you wish to enter and email it to us with the corresponding artwork images.
Before entering, please ensure you have read the Eligibility & Rules, as these form part of the competition conditions.
01 - Check Your Eligibility
Before preparing your entry, please read the Eligibility & Rules to make sure your artwork and entry meet the competition requirements.
In particular, please check that:
- your artwork is eligible for entry;
- it meets the size requirements (or you have discussed any minor variation with us);
- it has not previously been publicly exhibited, offered for sale or entered into another art competition;
- it will be available for exhibition if selected as a finalist.
Artwork Size Requirements
Two-dimensional works must not exceed 120 cm in any dimension, including any frame or other presentation.
Three-dimensional works must not exceed 100 cm in any dimension.
All artworks must be of a size and weight that allows them to be safely handled, transported, installed and exhibited at Art by the River. Three-dimensional works must be complete, stable and suitable for safe display.
If your artwork is slightly outside these size requirements, please contact us at info@newtides.co.nz before entering. Minor variations may be considered where the work can still be safely handled, installed and displayed.
02 - Complete the Entry Form
Complete a separate Entry Form for each artwork you wish to enter.
Artists may submit up to three artworks.
Each artwork is treated as a separate entry and requires:
- its own Entry Form;
- its own entry fee;
- its own email submission.
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Completing the Entry Form
The Entry Form is provided as a fillable PDF and can be completed electronically before being saved and attached to your email.
For the best experience, we recommend downloading the form and opening it in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader before completing it.
If you prefer, you may print the form, complete it by hand and scan it before emailing it to us.
Please save each completed Entry Form using your name and the artwork title before attaching it to your email (for example, Jane Smith – Summer Light.pdf).
The Entry Form will be available to download once entries open on 31 August 2026.
To view a sample Entry Form, please click the button below.
03 - Prepare Your Images & Artwork
Preparing Your Images
Each entry must include up to three JPEG images of the submitted artwork.
These should include:
- one image showing the complete artwork;
- up to two additional images showing details or alternative views, if appropriate.
The combined size of all images attached to each email should not exceed 5 MB.
Images should accurately and fairly represent the artwork. Images must not be digitally altered in a way that changes the appearance of the artwork.
Need to reduce your image size?
Free online tools such as Adobe Express or iLoveIMG can quickly reduce image file sizes while maintaining good image quality for email submission.
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Presentation Requirements
If selected as a finalist, your artwork must be professionally presented and ready for exhibition.
Two-dimensional works must be ready to hang and fitted with D-rings and hanging cord (or picture wire). As a guide, D-rings should be positioned approximately one-third of the way down each side of the frame.
Three-dimensional works should be complete, stable and suitable for safe display.
If you are unsure whether your artwork is suitable for exhibition, please contact Art by the River before entering.
04 - Pay the Entry Fee
Entry Fee: NZ$40 per artwork (non-refundable).
A separate entry fee is required for each artwork entered.
Please pay by online bank transfer using:
Reference: Artist name
Particulars: Artwork title
PAYMENT DETAILS
Bank Account Name: Art by the River Limited
Bank Account Number: 02-0506-0183377-001
05 - Email Your Entry
Email the entry for each artwork to:
info@newtides.co.nz
Please include:
- completed Entry Form;
- artwork images;
- confirmation that you have paid the entry fee.
Automatic Acknowledgement
Every entry received will receive an automatic acknowledgement by email.
If you do not receive the automatic acknowledgement, please contact Art by the River to confirm that your entry has been received.
What Happens Next?
After entries close:
- Art by the River will review all entries to confirm they comply with the Eligibility & Rules.
- Eligible entries will be provided to the Selection Panel for assessment.
- Selected finalists will be notified by email.
- Finalists will receive an Artist Agreement together with further information about delivery of their artwork.
- Finalist artworks will be exhibited at Art by the River. The Art by the River Award and Audience Award will be announced following the exhibition.
Need Help?
If you have any questions before submitting your entry, please contact us. We're happy to help with any queries about eligibility, the entry process or preparing your submission.