Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award returns to Whakatāne Art Gallery with an exhibition of 87 finalists selected from a record 638 submissions. Spanning painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and other contemporary practices, the exhibition offers a snapshot of the breadth and diversity of art being made across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Established in 1986, the award has long provided a platform for both emerging and established artists. This year’s finalists were selected by preliminary judges Ngaroma Riley, Matt Ellwood and Christina Barton, with guest judge Judy Darragh ONZM determining the major awards. The anniversary exhibition celebrates four decades of artistic achievement while looking towards the artists and ideas shaping contemporary practice today.