Waikato Society of Arts

The vision of the Waikato Society of Arts is to be a leading force in the Waikato arts community, inspiring and nurturing creativity while fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Our Mission

The mission of the Waikato Society of Arts is to support and promote the visual arts in the Waikato region by providing opportunities for artists to exhibit their work, fostering artistic development, and enhancing the appreciation of art in the community while respecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Become a Member

Being a part of the WSA means you are entitled to certain benefits:

Entry into the annual Members’ exhibition
Discounts on art classes, discounts at local businesses
Access to an extensive art library
Exhibition and awards openings
A vibrant arts community

Take a Class

We run over 30 classes per week in a variety of mediums with six art studios. Our classes are suitable for 5 year olds and upwards. There are children and adult classes running six days per week in 8 or 9 week blocks.

We hold workshops from time to time and regular school holiday programmes.

Our Awards Programme

The National Youth Art Awards is an annual competition, started in the year 2000, that showcases the creative talents of young artists aged 13-25 years old, in 3 age categories, across New Zealand. The awards are designed to encourage and celebrate the artistic achievements of students and emerging artists.

The competition includes all visual arts mediums, such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and digital art, with different prize levels, including first, merit and category awards. Young artists are invited to submit their work for consideration.

The submission process generally involves an online or physical application form, where participants provide details about their artwork, a brief artist statement, and any required images of their work. Submitted artworks are reviewed by a panel of judges, which may include professional artists, curators, and educators. Finalists and winners are featured in an exhibition at the Artspost galleries, allowing the public to view and appreciate the young artists’ work.

The awards provide a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition, receive feedback, and engage with the broader art community. It also helps to promote the importance of art education and creative expression among young people.

NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards

The NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards has been hosted by WSA since 2000 and is a prestigious art competition on the New Zealand arts calendar, that recognises and celebrates excellence in the fields of painting and printmaking. These awards aim to promote New Zealand artists and their work, offering both visibility and financial support. The awards are open to New Zealand artists living within NZ and overseas.

Finalists are featured in an exhibition at Artspost galleries, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton, which provides a platform for the artists to showcase their work to the public and gain exposure. Winning or being shortlisted for these awards can significantly enhance an artist’s career by providing recognition, exposure, and financial support.

The awards contribute to the promotion and advancement of painting and printmaking in New Zealand, with strong sponsorship from the Print Council Aotearoa NZ.

Small Sculpture Awards

A bi-annual award to celebrate small sculptural works from NZ artists. The inaugural award was held in 2023 and judged by Andrea du Chatenier, pictured. Over 70 artists entered and a group of 23 were chosen for the finalist exhibition.

In 2025 this award will have a main sponsorship from Longveld, who like the WSA are committed to providing beautiful spaces of artwork for the community to enjoy. The exhibition is held at the Artspost galleries, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton.