The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards exhibition, which opened on Saturday, 8 August, features a selection of the top student submissions responding to this year’s theme, Ko au te taiao |
I am the environment. The 34 works in the exhibition were selected by Gallery staff for their creativity, originality and skill.
More than 1000 ākonga from 29 schools took part in the project, visiting the Gallery’s exhibitions, participating in artist-led workshops from Reuben Paterson (Ngāti Rangitihi, NgāiTūhoe, Tūhourangi) and developing their own creative responses in the classroom.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Auckland Art Gallery Dr Zara Stanhope says the project highlights the role art education plays in developing creativity as part of young people understanding and expressing their experiences of the world.
“The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards give ākonga the opportunity to engage with an artist, explore ideas, develop their artistic voices and see their work presented within a public art gallery,” says Stanhope.
“This year’s theme has encouraged students to consider their relationship with the environment as a shared fundamental concern, which they have expressed in thoughtful and imaginative ways. We are proud to create the opportunity where they can celebrate their achievements alongside their kaiako, schools and whānau.”
Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson says the arts have an important role in Auckland’s future.
“A thriving city needs people who can think creatively and imagine new possibilities. Supporting young people to participate in the arts strengthens Auckland’s cultural life today and helps nurture the artists and future leaders who will shape our city in the years ahead.”
“Having your work selected for exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery is a significant achievement.
The students represented should be very proud, and I congratulate the 1000 ākonga who took
part in this year’s programme.”
Established in 2002, the annual Pat Hanly Creativity Awards connects secondary school
students with the Gallery and the wider arts community while recognising the value of creativity and visual arts education.
The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards recognise the late artist’s outstanding contribution to New
Zealand contemporary art, his passion for art education and his commitment to supporting young artists.
The project is made possible with the generous support of the Gallery’s education partners:
the Friedlander Foundation, the Open Doors for Schools Fund, the Sir William and Lady Lois Manchester Charitable Trust, the ONE Foundation and Four Winds.
The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards exhibition is open at Auckland Art Gallery until Sunday, 13 September 2026. Entry is free.
