Need Help With Your Nomination?
Check out our information sheet for frequently asked questions.
WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS EARLY WHERE POSSIBLE, AS STRONG NOMINATIONS OFTEN TAKE A LITTLE TIME TO PREPARE.
Who can be nominated?
Nominations can be made for individuals or groups.
This includes:
- artists and creatives
- collectives or ensembles
- organisations
- collaborations between individuals or groups
In some cases, if nominations indicate that two distinct types of work sit within a single category, the judges may choose to separate a category into two awards. This occurred in 2024 with the Community Catalyst Award.
Who can make a nomination?
Anyone can make a nomination.
Nominations may come from:
- colleagues or peers
- arts organisations
- community members
- audiences or supporters
You do not need to be part of an arts organisation to nominate someone.
Can I nominate myself or my own group?
Yes.
Self-nominations are welcome. If you believe your work fits the criteria for an award category, you are able to put forward a nomination.
What time period should nominations cover?
The awards focus on work undertaken between July 2024 and April 2026.
Your nomination should primarily highlight achievements, projects, or contributions within this timeframe.
However, background information can and should be included where it helps explain the significance of the nominee’s work or contribution.
For example, you may wish to explain:
- how the nominee’s practice has developed
- their role within the local arts community
- the wider impact of their work
This context can help judges understand the full significance of the work being recognised.
What should I include in a nomination?
A strong nomination clearly explains:
- What the nominee has done
- Why it matters
- How it connects to the award category
When writing your nomination, it is helpful to:
- Refer directly to the award description and criteria
- Explain how the nominee’s work meets those criteria
- Provide specific examples, projects, or achievements
Remember that judges may not know the nominee or the local context. Providing enough detail helps them understand the full impact of the work.
Can someone be nominated in more than one category?
Yes.
A nominee can be entered into multiple categories if their work is relevant to more than one.
If doing so, we recommend tailoring the comments for each category, rather than repeating the same text. This helps demonstrate how the nominee meets the specific criteria for each award.
What counts as leadership in the Leadership category?
The Leadership Award recognises people who provide leadership within the arts community.
This is typically a voluntary leadership role, although receiving some payment does not automatically exclude someone.
However, the award is not intended for someone whose leadership role is primarily their paid job. Instead, it recognises people who give their time, energy and influence to support the arts community more broadly.
What is the Patronage Award?
The Patronage Award provides an opportunity to recognise people or organisations outside the arts sector who support the arts.
This may include:
- businesses
- sponsors
- community supporters
- advocates for the arts
The award acknowledges those whose support helps creative activity thrive in Murihiku Southland.
Who are the judges?
Judges for the 2026 awards are currently being confirmed.
The judging panel will include people with relevant experience in the arts and cultural sector. Judges may come from both within and outside the region to ensure a balanced and independent perspective.
When will finalists be announced?
Finalists will be notified in late May or early June 2026.
At that point:
- finalists will be contacted directly
- the public announcement will follow shortly afterwards
- ticket sales for the awards event will open
Each finalist will receive one complimentary ticket to the awards evening.
When and where are the awards being held?
The Southland Creative Arts Awards will be held on Saturday 1 August 2026 at Ascot Park.
The evening will include:
- a two course dinner
- the awards ceremony
- entertainment and performances
It is designed as a celebration of the arts community across Murihiku Southland.
Can businesses or organisations sponsor the awards?
Yes.
The Southland Creative Arts Awards are supported by sponsors and partners. We welcome both returning sponsors and new organisations interested in supporting the arts in Murihiku.
Sponsorship opportunities may include:
- category sponsorship
- event support
- in-kind contributions
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Arts Murihiku for more information or email becs@artsmurihiku.co.nz or phone 027 225 2664
