Welcome to our annual Emerging Artists Awards. Every year we celebrate artists who are yet to find their full potential. We provide a space to further their practice and to present to the public. We want to see our artists grow and develop from this point to flourishing careers.

This year’s Emerging Artist Awards is a new beginning for us. We are now including an extra youth category. Our hope is that we can support and encourage a new generation of artists.

Every year we have a theme to help guide artists. This theme is to highlight the aspirations of the Upstairs Gallery. For 2026, the Emerging Artists Awards theme is: 

Pōtikitanga - This is the spirit of imagination and creativity we see in all of our emerging artists.

‘Pōtiki’ is the spirit of the youngest sibling that represents the curious, creative, adventurous and playful parts in all of us. 

Pōtikitanga values the fresh perspective often associated with youth. It requires playfulness and imagination. Use humour, fantasy, or surreal imagery. Reimagine ordinary objects in unexpected ways. Celebrate exploration and wonder.

This could be through the exploration of unfamiliar subjects, cultures, or ideas. Create pieces that encourage viewers to wonder and interpret for themselves. Pōtikitanga encourages trying new approaches, combine traditional and digital techniques, use recycled or unusual materials.

When people remain curious about themselves and the world, they are more likely to explore different perspectives, stay engaged with life, view challenges as opportunities rather than problems, express emotions that may be difficult to put into words and build greater confidence in themselves through creating something meaningful.

Our finalists will be announced soon.