Student Exhibition | Pat Hanly Creativity Awards

Held annually, the Pat Hanly Creativity Awards acknowledge Pat Hanly’s outstanding contribution to New Zealand contemporary art and his passion for art education and supporting young artists. The awards highlight the crucial role of art education in shaping future creatives and connecting them with the wider art community.

Now in its 23rd edition, the awards have evolved into a collaborative project. The journey begins with school visits to the Gallery, where over 1000 ākonga (students) gather inspiration in exhibitions and artist-led workshops. Back in their classrooms, they then create their own artworks in response to a theme. This year’s theme is Ko Wai Au? Who Am I?

This exhibition features a selection of the top submissions, chosen by Gallery staff for their outstanding creativity, originality and skill. Displayed within the Gallery, these young artists’ works are placed in conversation with our other exhibitions and taonga (treasures), creating meaningful connections across generations of artists from Aotearoa.

Participating schools: Albany Senior High School, Aorere College, Auckland Grammar School, Birkenhead College, Dilworth School, Elim Christian College Mt Albert, Glendowie College, Henderson High School, Howick College, James Cook High School, Macleans College, Mahurangi College, Marist College, Michael Park School, Mount Albert Grammar School, Papakura High School, Papatoetoe High School, Pinehurst School, Pukekohe High School, Rangitoto College, Saint Kentigern College, Southern Cross Campus, St Cuthbert’s College, St Dominic’s Catholic College, St Peter’s College, Tangaroa College, Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School and Waitakere College.

The project was made possible with the generosity of the Friedlander Foundation, the Sir William, Lady Lois Manchester Charitable Trust, and Gordon Harris. Special thanks to the Hanly family for their continued support of this initiative to inspire creativity. This project is an Enriching Local Curriculum (ELC) programme and supported by the Ministry of Education.